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*Pleasant Tomorrow* · 11-08-2004, 07:26 PM

Target cuts the cord on Salvation Army kettles

By BENITA D. NEWTON , The Virginian-Pilot
© October 20, 2004 | Last updated 1:59 PM Oct. 20

The familiar holiday tune of jingling bells and clinking change dropping into Salvation Army kettles won’t be heard this year outside local Target Stores, forcing area commands to look for ways to make up potential lost revenue.

The Minneapolis-based retail giant will no longer allow the Christian charity’s bellringers to collect donations outside its 1,300 stores across the country, citing a need for fairness in its policy that restricts solicitations. Based on last year’s figures, the Target shutout could leave local Salvation Army groups with a $85,000 hole.

About 13 percent of the more than $661,000 in donations that Hampton Roads and Williamsburg Red Kettle bellringers collected in 2003 was received at area Target stores. The Tidewater Area Command, which represents Chesapeake, Norfolk and Virginia Beach, raised $49,000 with its Target kettles last year, nearly a quarter of its $221,000 total, said its spokeswoman Grace Ramos.

The Army uses the money that shoppers deposit in its trademark red kettles to buy Christmas meals and gifts for children, the elderly and the incarcerated, and to fund its food, clothing, shelter, and financial assistance programs throughout the winter months. The Red Kettle program has been in place in Norfolk since 1905.

Ramos said the group hopes that one day Target will allow its bellringers to return to its stores.

“We understand Target’s policy, and we’re happy we were able to do bell ringing there for so many years,” Ramos said. “...We continue to be grateful to Target and its patrons in our community for making a difference in countless lives over the years.”

Target officials said the corporation could no longer continue to make an exception for the Salvation Army and deny other organizations the opportunity.

“We receive an increasing number of solicitation inquiries from nonprofit organizations each year and determined that if we allow the Salvation Army to solicit, then it opens the door to other groups that wish to solicit our guests,” a Target spokesperson said in a written statement. “This decision does not diminish Target Corp.’s commitment to its communities. Target has one of the largest corporate philanthropy programs in America, donating more than $2 million per week and hundreds of thousands of volunteer hours each year.”

The Army will begin its Red Kettle campaign by Nov. 12, and already has more than 120 area malls, grocery stores and retailers signed up.

Popular holiday shopping destinations such as Farm Fresh, Big Lots, ABC Stores and Sam’s Club are still onboard to keep the bells ringing.

Wal-Mart spokesman Dan Fogleman said the big-box retailer’s solicitation policy limits the number of hours and days per year that nonprofits can ask for donations outside its stores, which allows it to give a variety of groups a chance to participate.

“The Salvation Army takes in somewhere around $12 million in front of our stores every year,” Fogleman said. “They’ve become a holiday fixture outside our stores, and we’re very pleased with our partnership with them.”

The commands plan to offset the potential shortfall by increasing its locations and focusing on getting 100 percent volunteer participation, rather than paying people to ring the bells. Ramos said throughout Hampton Roads the commands will need more than 1,450 volunteers this year, almost 500 more than in 2003.

While the situation is challenging, Ramos is confident the community’s support will help the Salvation Army continue to meet it goals.
“The Red Kettle program is a timeless program,” Ramos said, “a tradition that will continue for years to come.”

http://home.hamptonroads.com/stories...970&ran=131915

Penny Lane · 11-09-2004, 10:07 AM

It's a shame, I know but at my local Meijer store it was getting impossible to even approach the store without being "accosted" on the way in or out by fund raisers.(Some were illigitimate) It was ridiculous! So after many complaints the store banned all fund raisers. And it had to include everybody or there would be lawsuits.
The stores aren't just picking on The Salvation Army. It includes all of them!

It's really too bad , isn't it?

Sterling Holobyte · 11-09-2004, 04:53 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Penny Lane
It's a shame, I know but at my local Meijer store it was getting impossible to even approach the store without being "accosted" on the way in or out by fund raisers.(Some were illigitimate) It was ridiculous! So after many complaints the store banned all fund raisers. And it had to include everybody or there would be lawsuits.
The stores aren't just picking on The Salvation Army. It includes all of them!

Yeah, that's Target's "official" explanation, but it also could be just about money. They know that some people don't like the bell-ringers(because they make some people feel a little guilty) and don't want to go past them to go into a store.
They don't bother me. If I don't have the money on hand or just don't feel like contributing at the time, I don't. And I've never been accosted by a Salvation Army bell-ringer to contribute.
Target could have a policy limiting solicitors to one per store, and the other groups couldn't do anything about it! It's only natural to not want to clutter up your front step with solicitors; it wouldn't be good for business, but Target has taken it a step too far I think.
Nice to see Target knows the "true" meaning of Christmas.

Penny Lane · 11-09-2004, 09:20 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Sterling Holobyte
Yeah, that's Target's "official" explanation, but it also could be just about money. They know that some people don't like the bell-ringers(because they make some people feel a little guilty) and don't want to go past them to go into a store.
They don't bother me. If I don't have the money on hand or just don't feel like contributing at the time, I don't. And I've never been accosted by a Salvation Army bell-ringer to contribute.
Target could have a policy limiting solicitors to one per store, and the other groups couldn't do anything about it! It's only natural to not want to clutter up your front step with solicitors; it wouldn't be good for business, but Target has taken it a step too far I think.
Nice to see Target knows the "true" meaning of Christmas.

Um............. The true meaning of Christmas is the celebration of the birth of Christ. My, how that has been perverted!
But I do know where you are coming from. And I know from first hand experience of being bothered by soliciter's in parking lots. You are correct. The Salvation Army never chased after contibutions and I always gave willingly to them. They did it right.

*Pleasant Tomorrow* · 11-09-2004, 10:59 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Sterling Holobyte

Nice to see Target knows the "true" meaning of Christmas.

Mmhmm. People shouldn't be feeling bad seeing those bell ringers because they should be giving money and helping. I'm not all too religious, so the meaning of Christmas to me is to help others and be with family. Kind of a closeness holiday. If more fortunate people can't help those who arnt, then I hope some alien destroys our planet.

Sterling Holobyte · 11-09-2004, 11:05 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Penny Lane
Um............. The true meaning of Christmas is the celebration of the birth of Christ.

I know, I was being sarcastic.

Rebel Queen 1980 · 11-09-2004, 11:18 PM

I give to the Salvation Army sometimes,I like their motto
'' Need Knows No Season.'',that's true.Target should still
allow them to do the bell ringing.Everyone deserves a
good Christmas, Even the less fortunate

Penny Lane · 11-10-2004, 10:11 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Sterling Holobyte
I know, I was being sarcastic.

Moonlight Lady · 11-10-2004, 02:07 PM

I could understand Target not wanting them outside their store if the Salvation Army were hounding people for money. They don't do that.

It's always nice if you can or want to donate some change, maybe a dollar or two and i'm sure it's greatly appreciated. However, you're not required to give them money.

Liza · 11-10-2004, 06:58 PM

I used to ring the bell outside a Kmart store for the Salvation Army. We never hounded anybody - of course not. We'd just say "Thank you" or "Merry Christmas" when somebody gave, that's it. It's not a fun job - standing out in the cold for hours ringing a stupid bell - but it was for a good cause.

I have my own issues with the Salvation Army right now, but I don't need to go into that.

Moonlight Lady · 11-10-2004, 07:18 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Liza
I used to ring the bell outside a Kmart store for the Salvation Army. We never hounded anybody - of course not. We'd just say "Thank you" or "Merry Christmas" when somebody gave, that's it. It's not a fun job - standing out in the cold for hours ringing a stupid bell - but it was for a good cause.

I have my own issues with the Salvation Army right now, but I don't need to go into that.

I sent an email to target saying how disappointed I was in them for doing this. I doubt they'll respond, but, I made myself heard.

Kitt · 11-10-2004, 07:31 PM

I haven't followed all of this thread so please excuse me if I missed the jist.

The Salvation Army charms us with their bell ringing outside of the post office in my town. That's fine, I suppose, but it does get old when you check your mail everyday or so. The constant turnover of bell ringers can't know that you've all ready given blood. I generally dread passing by them. The poor souls are usually freezing and bored and wouldn't have taken this "job" if they didn't need it really, really badly. It's not an uplifting thing to witness.

None of that has much to do with Targets crap though. Screw Target. They make billions off of all of us. They should not only be able to put up with, but they should appreciate the few weeks that the Salvation Army honors them by adorning their front doors and asking us to contribute to someone other than TARGET.

Liza · 11-10-2004, 08:02 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Kitt
The poor souls are usually freezing and bored and wouldn't have taken this "job" if they didn't need it really, really badly. It's not an uplifting thing to witness.

It's usually a volunteer job - I always did it for free.

Kitt · 11-10-2004, 08:17 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Liza
It's usually a volunteer job - I always did it for free.

Very commendable Em.

I'll bet you charmed folks out of their shoes AND their socks.

SA was lucky to have you helpin' out.!

Penny Lane · 11-10-2004, 08:27 PM

Kind of off topic................. My grandma stipulated in her will that a portion of her money was to be donated to the local "Soup Kitchen " every Thanksgiving because she remembered what it was like to be poor during the Depression. She couldn't live(or die) with the vision of people going hungry. Especially on Thanksgiving Day. So my Mom(who inherited what little that she had) always sends a donation to them every year in her name. I think that it is great tribute to my Grandma. Oh, how I miss her!

11-08-2004, 07:26 PM	#1
Pleasant Tomorrow Member Forum Addict Join Date: Feb 19, 2003 Location: New York Posts: 69,525	God, what effing Scrooges Target cuts the cord on Salvation Army kettles By BENITA D. NEWTON , The Virginian-Pilot © October 20, 2004 \| Last updated 1:59 PM Oct. 20 The familiar holiday tune of jingling bells and clinking change dropping into Salvation Army kettles won’t be heard this year outside local Target Stores, forcing area commands to look for ways to make up potential lost revenue. The Minneapolis-based retail giant will no longer allow the Christian charity’s bellringers to collect donations outside its 1,300 stores across the country, citing a need for fairness in its policy that restricts solicitations. Based on last year’s figures, the Target shutout could leave local Salvation Army groups with a $85,000 hole. About 13 percent of the more than $661,000 in donations that Hampton Roads and Williamsburg Red Kettle bellringers collected in 2003 was received at area Target stores. The Tidewater Area Command, which represents Chesapeake, Norfolk and Virginia Beach, raised $49,000 with its Target kettles last year, nearly a quarter of its $221,000 total, said its spokeswoman Grace Ramos. The Army uses the money that shoppers deposit in its trademark red kettles to buy Christmas meals and gifts for children, the elderly and the incarcerated, and to fund its food, clothing, shelter, and financial assistance programs throughout the winter months. The Red Kettle program has been in place in Norfolk since 1905. Ramos said the group hopes that one day Target will allow its bellringers to return to its stores. “We understand Target’s policy, and we’re happy we were able to do bell ringing there for so many years,” Ramos said. “...We continue to be grateful to Target and its patrons in our community for making a difference in countless lives over the years.” Target officials said the corporation could no longer continue to make an exception for the Salvation Army and deny other organizations the opportunity. “We receive an increasing number of solicitation inquiries from nonprofit organizations each year and determined that if we allow the Salvation Army to solicit, then it opens the door to other groups that wish to solicit our guests,” a Target spokesperson said in a written statement. “This decision does not diminish Target Corp.’s commitment to its communities. Target has one of the largest corporate philanthropy programs in America, donating more than $2 million per week and hundreds of thousands of volunteer hours each year.” The Army will begin its Red Kettle campaign by Nov. 12, and already has more than 120 area malls, grocery stores and retailers signed up. Popular holiday shopping destinations such as Farm Fresh, Big Lots, ABC Stores and Sam’s Club are still onboard to keep the bells ringing. Wal-Mart spokesman Dan Fogleman said the big-box retailer’s solicitation policy limits the number of hours and days per year that nonprofits can ask for donations outside its stores, which allows it to give a variety of groups a chance to participate. “The Salvation Army takes in somewhere around $12 million in front of our stores every year,” Fogleman said. “They’ve become a holiday fixture outside our stores, and we’re very pleased with our partnership with them.” The commands plan to offset the potential shortfall by increasing its locations and focusing on getting 100 percent volunteer participation, rather than paying people to ring the bells. Ramos said throughout Hampton Roads the commands will need more than 1,450 volunteers this year, almost 500 more than in 2003. While the situation is challenging, Ramos is confident the community’s support will help the Salvation Army continue to meet it goals. “The Red Kettle program is a timeless program,” Ramos said, “a tradition that will continue for years to come.” http://home.hamptonroads.com/stories...970&ran=131915
	__________________ my name is ashlee Welcome! Everything is fine.

11-09-2004, 10:07 AM	#2
Penny Lane Butter Pie Forum Icon Join Date: Jul 03, 2001 Location: Beneath the blue suburban skies Posts: 51,308	It's a shame, I know but at my local Meijer store it was getting impossible to even approach the store without being "accosted" on the way in or out by fund raisers.(Some were illigitimate) It was ridiculous! So after many complaints the store banned all fund raisers. And it had to include everybody or there would be lawsuits. The stores aren't just picking on The Salvation Army. It includes all of them! It's really too bad , isn't it?
	__________________ Vulgarity is no substitute for wit- Lady Violet Crawley

11-10-2004, 02:07 PM	#9
Moonlight Lady Member Forum Star Join Date: Aug 18, 2002 Posts: 16,052	I could understand Target not wanting them outside their store if the Salvation Army were hounding people for money. They don't do that. It's always nice if you can or want to donate some change, maybe a dollar or two and i'm sure it's greatly appreciated. However, you're not required to give them money.
	__________________ [

11-09-2004, 11:18 PM	#7
Rebel Queen 1980 Member Senior Member Join Date: Nov 05, 2002 Location: Watching Classic Sitcoms 24/7.... Posts: 1,509	I give to the Salvation Army sometimes,I like their motto '' Need Knows No Season.'',that's true.Target should still allow them to do the bell ringing.Everyone deserves a good Christmas, Even the less fortunate

11-10-2004, 06:58 PM	#10
Liza BestYearsofOurLives Forum Veteran Join Date: Apr 24, 2001 Location: Rochester, NY Posts: 6,537	I used to ring the bell outside a Kmart store for the Salvation Army. We never hounded anybody - of course not. We'd just say "Thank you" or "Merry Christmas" when somebody gave, that's it. It's not a fun job - standing out in the cold for hours ringing a stupid bell - but it was for a good cause. I have my own issues with the Salvation Army right now, but I don't need to go into that.

11-10-2004, 07:31 PM	#12
Kitt James Dean Forum Veteran Join Date: Aug 16, 2001 Location: California Dreamin' Posts: 6,115	I haven't followed all of this thread so please excuse me if I missed the jist. The Salvation Army charms us with their bell ringing outside of the post office in my town. That's fine, I suppose, but it does get old when you check your mail everyday or so. The constant turnover of bell ringers can't know that you've all ready given blood. I generally dread passing by them. The poor souls are usually freezing and bored and wouldn't have taken this "job" if they didn't need it really, really badly. It's not an uplifting thing to witness. None of that has much to do with Targets crap though. Screw Target. They make billions off of all of us. They should not only be able to put up with, but they should appreciate the few weeks that the Salvation Army honors them by adorning their front doors and asking us to contribute to someone other than TARGET.

11-10-2004, 08:27 PM	#15
Penny Lane Butter Pie Forum Icon Join Date: Jul 03, 2001 Location: Beneath the blue suburban skies Posts: 51,308	Kind of off topic................. My grandma stipulated in her will that a portion of her money was to be donated to the local "Soup Kitchen " every Thanksgiving because she remembered what it was like to be poor during the Depression. She couldn't live(or die) with the vision of people going hungry. Especially on Thanksgiving Day. So my Mom(who inherited what little that she had) always sends a donation to them every year in her name. I think that it is great tribute to my Grandma. Oh, how I miss her!