The Salvation Army Gets the Boot.

Published on December 3, 2004 By Jamie Burnside In Current Events

One of the most heavily discussed issues on the radio over the past week was a recent decision by Target Stores to not allow Salvation Army "Bell Ringers" to stand in front of their stores. According to Target, this is part of a general "no solicitation" policy.

A few groups locally have been voicing their opposition to the move by Target. The company is being accused of violating "the spirit of Christmas." (Regardless of Target's massive charitable donations.)

Please...

I for one would be happy if there were more stores that banned solicitation at or in the stores. I don't want to buy or hear anything on my way in or out of my favorite stores. I don't want to feel "soft pressure" to donate anything. I definitely don't want my groceries bagged by some cheerleader who will probably put my eggs under my five pound ham. (Besides, does anybody even carry cash anymore?)

I will however buy brats and a Pepsi from a church group or Boy Scout group. That's usually a good value, and they're usually confined a bit from the entrances of stores.

I am against panhandling too by the way...

Comments

kingbee

on Dec 03, 2004

brats? as in bratwurst?

now thats a salvation army campaign that could make me turn my back on vachel lindsay.

Sugaree

on Dec 03, 2004

Not sure why "bell ringers" threaten you so. Other than the fact they are mostly fresh out jail or on the wagon....they are harmless

Jamie Burnside

on Dec 04, 2004

Wow! Two insightful comments in a row! That is a record. Of course this silly comment messes that string up, doesn't it?

Sugaree

on Dec 04, 2004

you're lucky you got two. asshole

iamheather

on Dec 04, 2004

I don't want to buy or hear anything on my way in or out of my favorite stores

For a different perspective, please read my article Target Stores Ban Holiday Traditon. You and I see things from incredibly different perspectives, Jamie.

wuxiaomao

on Dec 04, 2004

"I don't want to feel "soft pressure" to donate anything"

I like that!! Way to articulate the feeling!

kingbee

on Dec 04, 2004

you're lucky you got two. asshole

dunno how lucky he is to have two assholes. as far as im concerned, one is plenty.

imajinit

on Dec 04, 2004

"I don't want to feel "soft pressure" to donate anything"

I like that!! Way to articulate the feeling!

I second that! Ya feel like a shmuck if you don't give 'em something, but at the same time, are we supposed to give 'em something every single time we go to the store?

Jillie Bean

on Dec 06, 2004

We actully had 2 recent events where we tried to donate to a charity and were refused! The first was we had 2 end tables and took them to GoodWill. They would not take them because one had a small, thin scrach on it. If I would have had a need aI would have kept them because they looked just fine! The second was a group called Bridging that helps homeless find and keep housing. We have a new, in the box table and bench set. They would not take it because it is unfinished! Now in my mind someone that is eating with out a table would not really care that this wasn't painted or stained.

I don't know but when the charity can get that picky I guess they don't need my support.

I don't mind the Bell ringers. I load up my pockets with change and give to those that open the door, or sing ect. I can spare the few bucks at xmas.

Janders

on Dec 06, 2004

I give to charities all year round, and totally understand the "soft pressure feeling". It makes me uncomfortable. I also get annoyed at all these stores that make their cashiers ask for donations for this or that charity, One day I went to the gas station, was asked to donate money for food shelf, the mall, (bell ringers) American eagle was asking money for charity bracelets, McDonalds, was asking for money for god knows what and then toys r us wanted money for toys for tots. Now all those charities may be great, But if you dont have extra money to be donating a million differrent places it makes you uncomfortable.

Good article, I like being able to go to target and not feel the need to pull out cash before hand.

dharmagrl

on Dec 06, 2004

I went to Target the other day.

The bell ringer wasn't standing directly outside the door, he was standing about 20 ft to the left of the store, ringing and jingling away.

I personally don't care for them....I give when I can, but there are time when I don't have cash on me or can't afford to give.

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