CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Dozens of Charlotte's Habitat for Humanity families were surprised with shopping spree from a popular discount department store. Target teamed up with Habitat for Humanity to further gift families who received a home from the non-profit in 2024.

Target director and community captain, Ralph Ikpelue, said more than 60 employees volunteered to help build homes with Habitat. Ikpelue said those employees wanted to continue to help the families who were made into homeowners by the two organizations. Target picked more than 35 of the Habitat families around Charlotte to gift a shopping spree Tuesday.

Each family was asked to bring any family members they wanted to the Target on Metropolitan Ave. Each member of the family was given a gift card from target employees that could be used to buy anything inside of the store. "We hope it brings just a sense of belonging and awareness and joy," Ikpelue said. Ikpelue could not say what amount was on each store gift card, but he did confirm that there were no limits on what it could be used to buy.

Some Habitat families said they used the money to buy holiday gifts, others used their shopping spree to buy items to help decorate their homes. Target employees plan to continue their relationship with Habitat for Humanity. Workers hope they can repeat the shopping spree event for future holiday season.

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