View Full Version : Target and Salvation Army


Jill
11-15-2006, 11:57 PM
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,229699,00.html


MINNEAPOLIS — Target Corp. (TGT) is slipping $1 million into The Salvation Army's kettle, but it still won't allow the familiar holiday bell-ringers in front of its stores.

This will be the third year that Target has banned the bell-ringers from its stores. But Salvation Army spokeswoman Melissa Temme said other changes could make up much of the $9 million the charity used to raise each year in front of Target stores.

Besides the cash donation, Target will donate the profits from a $9.99 Salvation Army ornament that is hitting store shelves this week, Temme said. It will also put a link on its Web site to accept Salvation Army donations.

"We expect it to be successful. We don't know what to expect as far as the ultimate monetary gain," Temme said. "But we know that this will enable us to help more people simply because we'll be bringing in more money."

Target said it has "a long-standing relationship that includes providing financial resources for disaster relief, as well as supporting local chapters through grant and volunteer programs."

Target stopped allowing Salvation Army bell-ringers in 2004 to make its policy against fundraising at its stores consistent. It also wanted to spare shoppers the potential discomfort of being asked for donations.

Elizabeth
11-16-2006, 02:09 AM
Oh that's my church! I'm happy to see them donating in place of the kettles, instead of outright banning them!

Cherrish
11-16-2006, 05:00 AM
Hmmm....I've got mixed feelings about that....but they're helping the Salvation Army, so I guess you can't look a gift horse in the mouth....

Becca
11-16-2006, 06:29 AM
Wow...am I the only one that sees a trend in retailers attempting to appease the people?

mossey2000
11-16-2006, 08:02 AM
I actually like that they dont have everyone out front all the time.

harrisonsdream
11-16-2006, 09:02 AM
target is an asshole. they need to suck it up and realize that they are HELPING people. if walmart can swallow their...i guess what they call it pride...then target should to. :mad that pisses me off that target won't let them out front

Elizabeth
11-16-2006, 01:31 PM
I remember when they did cut us off from ringing bells there... After that I saw some other organization out there which didn't make sense according to their excuse. I don't know if it was just a particular target or what. It's good to know they are doing something though. Sometimes if you need it you have to take the Go Away Money from the corporation... without the money raised at Christmas time the Salvation Army could not run their shelters and soup kitchens and women's safe houses and social service programs all yr long.
So hopefully the ornament raises plenty of money.

instant_oatmeal
11-16-2006, 01:47 PM
At least they aren't just telling them no and doing nothing.

mossey2000
11-16-2006, 02:06 PM
target is an asshole. they need to suck it up and realize that they are HELPING people. if walmart can swallow their...i guess what they call it pride...then target should to. :mad that pisses me off that target won't let them out front

And it pisses some people off that everytime you go to walmart someone is out front collecting money.:shrug

Jenny*The*Pooh
11-16-2006, 03:08 PM
I really don't have a problem with the bell ringers. Quite honestly, I've never actually had one ask for money when I was going into a store. I don't agree with what Target is doing, but at least they are doing something :dunno...it's a weird situation.

KevzQueen
11-16-2006, 03:20 PM
At least they're still doing something for SA. I don't like telling the ringers no either. There is always a ringer in front of SaveMart here. Hopefully the ornaments sells.

Kelsey
11-16-2006, 08:15 PM
I always feel uneasy with the bell ringers...even if they don't ask for money. It's like a huge guilt trip, which is dumb, because my family always donates so much to local 4-H programs, church, etc. and we would help out at the SA with their food/toy drive at Christmas.

I'm glad that Target was able to give them a little $$ and sell the ornament. As a shopper, I don't really like to be bothered and pressured to spend even MORE $$ as I'm walking out the door right after I spent way too much money that I don't have on Christmas presents.

This comment isn't really going anywhere, but, I respect Target's decision, as long as people continue to give and help in other ways with the SA or other organizations.