Target: Still no to bell ringers, donating $1 million instead

I agree with Target and thank them for their contribution to Sal.Army who in their drab uniforms doesn't add anything festive to Christmas.

I avoid shopping at Target because of their ban on the bell ringers. The bell ringers are part of tradition. Sure, they may make us feel a little uncomfortable as we walk by, but I think that is because they remind us of the less fortunate and those who will not have a Merry Christmas. Being reminded of the needy tends to make people uncomfortable. Ignoring them isn't the answer either. I make it a point to drop a little in the kettles at the places I shop.

I agree with Target. My opinion would change I think if Salvation Sally would come clean about who they will NOT support with the funds they take in. It has been reported they [S/A] do have favorites. HIV/AIDS organization in San Francisco to name one.
Good for TARGET.

I'm a 21 yr old college student with two jobs and I hate shopping at the mall or other stores with "bell ringers" because I always fell bad that I don't have the extra money to donate every time I go in and out of every store. Other people give you dirty looks for walking past the "bell ringers" and even the "bell ringers" make you feel like crap when you come out of the store with your groceries for the week have to walk out looking at the ground and walk straight to the car because your last pennies for the week are in your few bags of food. I like the idea of being guilt free for once. When I have something to donate I will but not eveyone have the money around christmas why aren't the "bell ringers" out all year? Why aren't they at the beaches in the summer or at the garden shops in the spring? The whole world doesn't get a Christmas bonus. I know where I'm doing my shopping this year and that's Target they won't make you feel like less of a person because you have just less then some but just enough for you.

the salvation army does a lot of good for disaster people, but they don't care for the retail people that go to their stores to get a deal. The prices have gone up a considerable amount in the last few years. For the people that I see in the penna. store don't get a good break for nothing.

sincerely yours
maxe 431

This has been a tradition since I can remember. It was always a nice feeling to hear the bells and see the Santa Claus. It saddens me that so many people agree with Target and it is not about the 1million: It is about an American tradition and celebarting a special time of the year. The children love and so do adults who have history of seeing this tradition for years.

Personally, I think it is wrong not to allow the Salvation Army or any other Christmas "do-gooders" to be in front of the entrance. These organizations are there not to solicit wares, but to try to help the people and oranizations that do good for humanity and the needy. It destroys the spirit of Christmas to forbid them from asking for help during the this season. Last years' debacle was proof of that.

Wow....I can't believe how many people think the volunteers ringing the bells are judgmental....it just makes me shake my head in wonder that so many people think so much of themselves that they assume others aren't too busy to pay attention to them. Usually you find good and kind hearted people are the ones who volunteer, and they wouldn't dream of judging anyone. I must admit I haven't shopped at Target in a long time, but the contribution has made me feel better about them. I just may shop there this Christmas. Thanks Target.

Many people don't also look at how items such as the bell ringers effect people's perspectives. Consider the employees of a store when they walk into work, out of work, or simply go outside and pass a bell ringer.

I had multiple employees who felt they were being bullied by people because they passed by a bell ringer, even though many had donated before some even had customers get into their faces over them not donating on that particular occassion.

Target is not the only company, nor was it the first to not allow bell ringers outside their store. They also didn't "ban" them, they simply removed the exception to the No solicitation policy that the Salvation Army had. Target still donated to the salvation army in spite of the removal of the bell ringers and worked with them to create the ornaments that are now being sold at the stores

If you say no to one you have to say no to all I think it is fare.they are making a donation of 1 million dollors. people act like they should bend the rule just for the salvalation army.

When I was a child I got 2 good meals a year courtesy of the Salvation Army. This was during the depression and there was no such thing as the kind of welfare we know today. I will never forget them and I have not even read a Target ad for 3 years since I found out about their policy and will not enter a store until there is a bell ringer in front.

There is something going around the internet that says Target is owned by a French company. I have checked and as far as I can see, they are an American Company. But this maybe how the rumor started. Because it is not only Salvation Army, it is the Toys for Tots that they will not support. My dad told me that he always gave to Salvation Army instead of the Red Cross. He listed the reason as if the two had donuts during World War II, the Salvation Army gave them and the Red Cross made people pay for the donuts. I give to the Salvation Army whenever I can. When I go to the store to Christmas shop, I try to find a Toys for Tots. I usually buy something and put it in the barrel.
Target should support charties like Salvation Army and Toys for Tots.
This tells me they give to get a tax break and not out of the goodness of their heart. Companies like Target should be ashamed. I am well aware that they give to other charties cash donations. But I like having stores with the bell ringers. It makes me feel in the Christmas spirit.

you people should get your self together. the "ARMY" is an ALL volunteer org. and unlike the Red (Nazi) cross, will not bill you later for that cup of coffee you so need when you return from combat! The folks ringing the bell are not paid volunteers but are in the salvation process. I was one and know of what I speak. However, I do feel that if Target disallows one org., they should disallow all. The co. donates much to all organizations involved in the humanitarian ways, as well as one million per year to the "ARMY'. Be grateful for what you have and share with those less fortunate than your self, you'll find it rewarding. Isn't that what Christmas is supposed to instill in us anyway?

I support Target's stance. No soliciting means exactly that -no exceptions. The fact that the Salvation Army is a religious based organization is all the more reason not to make exceptions.
FYI- I personally support the Salvation Army, but a corporation must do what is right for its customers and its shareholders.

While we may or may not agree with Target's actions in regard to bell ringers, let us respect Target's generosity. They donate more than other businesses. Becuse they donate I will continue shopping there. I can still donate at the local church, charities, scholarship funds (and I do), and agencies such as the World wilflife Fund, Nature Conservancy and other similar organizations. and yes I do donate.

As for me and my house, I will not condone any company that intentionalaly deters the Salvation Army from raising funds at the front door of its retail facilities. I may be wrong, but I think many, many people will think the same way I do. Target will get zero percent of my house's Christmas budget this year or any other year in the future. The senior management must be on narcotics to make such a jack-ass move.

My husband was in WWII and he will never forget how the Salvation Army was always there to help. Any time there is a disaster, the Salvation Army is there to help. The one million dollars that Target gives is nothing compared to the amount they would collect by ringing the bells. Wal Mart gives more to comunities than any other company and gets less credit for it. Maybe some people wouldn't feel so guilty if they would drop a little money in the kettle. I'll do my shopping at Wal Mart and give a little on the way in!

Great decision on the part of Target. SA makes me feel guilty when I say no. I hate to be bothered. There are enough SA kettels around town. I give to other deserving charities at Christmastime. Besides, soon all cash donations will require a receipt in order to tax deduct. Maybe SA should consider accepting donations from other businesses in lieu of allowing the kettels.

Numerous places of business have a "no solicitation" policy to protect their customers from being harrassed. Non-union retailers have had to take a stand and be consistent in those policies when a few union locals took them to court over their policy. If the girls scouts can sell cookies at your stores, we (the union) should be able to hand out our propaganda (uh, er literature). Easiest solution? Ban eceryone.

target bosses make a mistake they may live to regret. when they to lose their jobs and need help who do you think they will run to? if their hearts are so hardened and selfish, how do they sleep at night. one day WE will all Bow down to our Creator. choose now before its to late.