No More Ringing Bells at Target - Tilted Forum Project Discussion Community

amonkie · 12-18-2004, 04:33 PM

This may be old news, but I just found out last night that Target is not allowing Salvation Army ringers on their premises this year:

http://target.com/target_group/commu...citation.jhtml

Quote:

Target Corporation’s Position on Solicitation at Stores

Target Corporation has a long-standing “no solicitation” policy at all of our stores. Like many nationwide retailers, Target Corporation implemented this policy in order to be consistent with all the groups that request access to our stores and to provide our guests with a comfortable, distraction-free shopping environment.

Therefore, Target Corporation restricts the use of its parking lots and facilities to only business use. Target does not permit individuals (including political candidates and/or their campaign organizations) or nonprofit organizations to solicit donations, distribute literature, sell merchandise or hold events on our premises.

Target has received attention for applying this policy to all groups, including the Salvation Army. We receive an increasing number of solicitation inquiries from nonprofit organizations and groups each year and determined that if we continue to allow the Salvation Army to solicit, then it opens the door to any other groups that wish to solicit our guests. While some of our guests may welcome the opportunity to support their favorite charity or cause, allowing these organizations to solicit means that Target would also have to permit solicitation by organizations whose causes or behavior may be unacceptable to our guests. Target notified the Salvation Army of this decision in January 2004, well in advance of the holiday season, so that the organization would have time to find alternative fundraising sources. Target also asked the Salvation Army to look for other ways we could support their organization under our corporate giving guidelines. At this date, they have not provided a proposal that fits those guidelines.

Our company has many other means by which it supports organizations whose charitable programs fall within our corporate giving guidelines. Nonprofit organizations, including local Salvation Army chapters, can apply for grants through their local Target stores. For decades, nonprofit organizations across the country have successfully worked with Target in this manner. We are asking the Salvation Army to work with us in the same manner as every other organization and group who asks to solicit our guests. For more information on these guidelines, please pick up the Community Giving brochure in your store’s Guest Service area, or visit the Community Giving section of Target.com.

Target Corporation provides generous support to communities in many ways, donating more than $2 million each week to neighborhoods, programs and schools across the country. Nationwide, our team members volunteer hundreds of thousands of hours to nonprofit organizations. Target Corporation is committed to giving back to the communities in which we do business.

According to snopes, http://www.snopes.com/inboxer/charity/sallyann.asp

Quote:

Founded in 1865 as a religious and charitable mission, it provided over $2.5 billion in service throughout the U.S. during the past year. Last year they (Salvation Army) collected about $9 million outside the 1300+ Target stores.

I can understand their reasoning behind the change, and it is their private property to do as they wish. Just, somehow, it's gonna seem a little less like Christmas this year, with another store following behind Walmart's restriction of their Sally Ann's 3 years ago. I know my friends who made me aware of this are actually boycotting Target because of their decision. I wonder if this has hurt Target financially at all this season?

martinguerre · 12-18-2004, 05:02 PM

more power to target on this one. the s army has blackmailed several cities by threatening to cease assistance to the poor if same-sex partner benifits ordiances were passed.

assholes...

anleja · 12-18-2004, 05:51 PM

I read today that Wal-Mart is taking advantage of this by saying they will match what people donate to the Salvation Army in front of their stores, up to a million$.

Scorps · 12-18-2004, 06:19 PM

That is as bad as The Home Depot and the old verterians selling poppies

Canada only I believe.

Lockjaw · 12-18-2004, 08:28 PM

While this is unfortunate I still think people should adopt the policy of just finding a person to help on their own during the holiday season rather than plunking down some change in a red bucket. World would be a much better place if people did.

Glava · 12-18-2004, 08:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by anleja

I read today that Wal-Mart is taking advantage of this by saying they will match what people donate to the Salvation Army in front of their stores, up to a million$.

A million for Walmart is like a dime for me. They are giving a million, hoping that the good publicity will earn them back this amount, and more.

Faygo · 12-18-2004, 09:10 PM

I hereby declare that target sucks.

anleja · 12-18-2004, 10:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Glava

A million for Walmart is like a dime for me. They are giving a million, hoping that the good publicity will earn them back this amount, and more.

You doubt the charitable nature of Wal-Mart? Haven't you ever seen that Wal-Mart commercial where they help out that town by building a Wal-Mart in an old abandoned building? Or the commercial where Wal-Mart offers to be the local hangout for old people?

Manic_Skafe · 12-19-2004, 12:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by amonkie

Like many nationwide retailers, Target Corporation implemented this policy in order to be consistent with all the groups that request access to our stores and to provide our guests with a comfortable, distraction-free shopping environment.

Their success lies in their ability to induce upon entry a coma-like state that leads their customers by distractions through their stores and into a haze of senseless consumption. I can respect their right to a home court advantage but this excuse is just terrible.

They're paying to keep the lights on so they should be able to do what they want.

Quote:

more power to target on this one. the s army has blackmailed several cities by threatening to cease assistance to the poor if same-sex partner benifits ordiances were passed.

I haven't heard anything like this about the SA. Are you willing to support this with something concrete?

Vincentt · 12-19-2004, 12:37 AM

I like how they give this lots of media, Target is evil, go to Wal-Mart, serve Wal-Mart, worship Wal-Mart.
Target just does not want to listen to that damn bell all day.
It isn't like anyone only shops at Target and that is the only time they would see the SA.
If people want to give to SA, they can do it. In fact, you can do it with out going to the door of a department store as well...

Target should just start a "no change" for the hungry. People can offer to take no change, and at end of day that change is donated to some local charity. Makes lines shorter, people’s pockets lighter, and gives to a cause.

Psycho Dad · 12-19-2004, 06:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lockjaw

I still think people should adopt the policy of just finding a person to help on their own during the holiday season rather than plunking down some change in a red bucket. World would be a much better place if people did.

Agreed except that I think were they helped throught the year they would require less help at the holidays. While most feel that the Salvation Army is to charity what Viagra is to erections, they would find that people would be better served by actually finding some way that they can help people rather than throwing dimes in the buckets. Then again I think people could be helped more by learning self sufficiency and getting the tools for helping themselves than getting handouts.

LIMilf · 12-19-2004, 07:21 AM

I can see how Target has some sense in banning the buckets. If you ok one kind of charity asking for money, then you have to ok all of them. But come on, its the salavation army, they have been doing this for how long? Im sure they could of found some way to make this happen.

amonkie · 12-19-2004, 09:27 AM

With so many "charities" popping up after September 11, especially scam ones, the presence and reputation of the Salvation Army is part of how they draw their support. I donate all year long, but for the people tight with their money unless it's a place they trust, the SA has earned their trust.

Gustoferson · 12-19-2004, 09:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Manic_Skafe

I haven't heard anything like this about the SA. Are you willing to support this with something concrete?

I haven't heard anything specifically about blackmailing cities, but their official website does include a position statement on homosexuality that says it is against scripture and that same-sex unions or marriages are not an alternative of traditional marriage. Though to their credit they do argue against treating anyone differently because of their sexuality at the end of their statement.

Salvation Army Position Statement on Homosexuality

martinguerre · 12-19-2004, 10:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Manic_Skafe

I haven't heard anything like this about the SA. Are you willing to support this with something concrete?

http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2004/121/22.0.html

Quote:

The New York Post reports that the Salvation Army won't follow the new law, and may reject millions of dollars it receives each year from the city. Such a massive funding cut would of course lead to widespread program cuts—so much so that the paper characterizes it as "leaving town."

IIRC, there was a similar case in San Fran. I can't find it ATM, but i can look around more if you like.

Basically, they have a right to make that kind of choice. But i cannot and will not support such a choice.

pattycakes · 12-21-2004, 09:10 PM

I have read both sides of this, and i feel if they want to ban the slvation army fromt heir store more power to them. The salvation army earns more than emough money as it is. They go around on xmas and throw out this pitty story. Yes people are suffering, but there is so many other programs that they can get involved in.

I do some vol work for the salvation army about 4 times a year. Maybe target was thinking of their customers when they banned the salvation army. I know i have been to 4 different walmarts, the mall ect. and every place i go they have a salvo guy ringing that bell. They force this guilt trip on us like if we dont give atleast 50 cents that we want all childern and "starving families to die"

Soggybagel · 12-21-2004, 10:25 PM

I don't have a problem perse, but the thing is its almost like The Salvation Army is part of christmas...and its kind of weird when they aren't there. I guess i'm just old fashioned.

tecoyah · 12-22-2004, 02:24 AM

I purposefully shop at Target, because of my Bocott mentality towards Wal-Mart. Banning the SA from collecting the Tithe in front of stores, if anything, solidifies my descision to shop there. Personally, I dont take confort in the ability of the Salvation Army to live up to thier name, but I do see the good they accomplish. I prefer to donate my time, and help my local community by supporting food banks.

To each thier own.

neekap · 12-22-2004, 08:22 AM

As with a lot of other businesses, Target's "no solicitation" policy does have one major loophole. They'll hound their employees for donating to the United Way, and they try to guilt trip you a bit if you don't want to. I've applied for positions at other local businesses and I've even ran across a business that you are required to donate at least x% of your pay to the United Way to work there. Is it really considered a donation if you're required?

Stompy · 12-22-2004, 08:27 AM

No solicitation is no solicitation.

Why should they be able to hang out in front of target but no one else can?

pattycakes · 12-22-2004, 06:38 PM

i work for a non profit corp, and we are not so much requested to donate, it is more like forced.... but hey we get alot of funding from them so what the hell is five bucks? i mean they pretty much pay my pay check

smooth · 12-23-2004, 10:15 AM

I will continue to shop at Target.

Like Tecoyah, I boycott Wal-Mart. I also think Target is one of the few corporations that pays its employees what I consider a decent wage.

I hope that people don't boycott a respectable company like Target over something like this. The Salvation Army has plenty of venues and the company's reasoning is certainly plausible--they don't want to inundate their customers with solicitors.

good, because I don't want to be inundated.

12-18-2004, 05:02 PM	#2 (permalink)
martinguerre whosoever Location: New England	more power to target on this one. the s army has blackmailed several cities by threatening to cease assistance to the poor if same-sex partner benifits ordiances were passed. assholes... __________________ For God so loved creation, that God sent God's only Son that whosoever believed should not perish, but have everlasting life. -John 3:16

12-18-2004, 06:19 PM	#4 (permalink)
Scorps Lost!! Location: Kingston, Ontario	That is as bad as The Home Depot and the old verterians selling poppies Canada only I believe. __________________ A.K.A. PainTrain

12-19-2004, 07:21 AM	#12 (permalink)
LIMilf Crazy	I can see how Target has some sense in banning the buckets. If you ok one kind of charity asking for money, then you have to ok all of them. But come on, its the salavation army, they have been doing this for how long? Im sure they could of found some way to make this happen. __________________ My goal is to be rookie of the year...

12-19-2004, 09:27 AM	#13 (permalink)
amonkie Drifting Administrator Location: Windy City	With so many "charities" popping up after September 11, especially scam ones, the presence and reputation of the Salvation Army is part of how they draw their support. I donate all year long, but for the people tight with their money unless it's a place they trust, the SA has earned their trust. __________________ Calling from deep in the heart, from where the eyes can't see and the ears can't hear, from where the mountain trails end and only love can go... ~~~ Three Rivers Hare Krishna

12-21-2004, 09:10 PM	#16 (permalink)
pattycakes Insane Location: bangor pa	` I have read both sides of this, and i feel if they want to ban the slvation army fromt heir store more power to them. The salvation army earns more than emough money as it is. They go around on xmas and throw out this pitty story. Yes people are suffering, but there is so many other programs that they can get involved in. I do some vol work for the salvation army about 4 times a year. Maybe target was thinking of their customers when they banned the salvation army. I know i have been to 4 different walmarts, the mall ect. and every place i go they have a salvo guy ringing that bell. They force this guilt trip on us like if we dont give atleast 50 cents that we want all childern and "starving families to die"

12-18-2004, 05:51 PM	#3 (permalink)
anleja disconnected Location: ignoreland	I read today that Wal-Mart is taking advantage of this by saying they will match what people donate to the Salvation Army in front of their stores, up to a million$.

12-18-2004, 08:28 PM	#5 (permalink)
Lockjaw Junkie	While this is unfortunate I still think people should adopt the policy of just finding a person to help on their own during the holiday season rather than plunking down some change in a red bucket. World would be a much better place if people did.

12-18-2004, 09:10 PM	#7 (permalink)
Faygo Banned	I hereby declare that target sucks.

12-19-2004, 12:37 AM	#10 (permalink)
Vincentt Addict Location: Tokyo, Japan	I like how they give this lots of media, Target is evil, go to Wal-Mart, serve Wal-Mart, worship Wal-Mart. Target just does not want to listen to that damn bell all day. It isn't like anyone only shops at Target and that is the only time they would see the SA. If people want to give to SA, they can do it. In fact, you can do it with out going to the door of a department store as well... Target should just start a "no change" for the hungry. People can offer to take no change, and at end of day that change is donated to some local charity. Makes lines shorter, people’s pockets lighter, and gives to a cause.

12-21-2004, 10:25 PM	#17 (permalink)
Soggybagel Psycho Location: Lovely City #1	I don't have a problem perse, but the thing is its almost like The Salvation Army is part of christmas...and its kind of weird when they aren't there. I guess i'm just old fashioned.

12-22-2004, 02:24 AM	#18 (permalink)
tecoyah Illusionary	I purposefully shop at Target, because of my Bocott mentality towards Wal-Mart. Banning the SA from collecting the Tithe in front of stores, if anything, solidifies my descision to shop there. Personally, I dont take confort in the ability of the Salvation Army to live up to thier name, but I do see the good they accomplish. I prefer to donate my time, and help my local community by supporting food banks. To each thier own. __________________ Holding onto anger is like grasping a hot coal with the intent of throwing it at someone else; you are the one who gets burned. - Buddha

12-22-2004, 08:22 AM	#19 (permalink)
neekap Tilted Location: Central OH	As with a lot of other businesses, Target's "no solicitation" policy does have one major loophole. They'll hound their employees for donating to the United Way, and they try to guilt trip you a bit if you don't want to. I've applied for positions at other local businesses and I've even ran across a business that you are required to donate at least x% of your pay to the United Way to work there. Is it really considered a donation if you're required?

12-22-2004, 08:27 AM	#20 (permalink)
Stompy Banned from being Banned Location: Donkey	No solicitation is no solicitation. Why should they be able to hang out in front of target but no one else can? __________________ I love lamp.

12-22-2004, 06:38 PM	#21 (permalink)
pattycakes Insane Location: bangor pa	i work for a non profit corp, and we are not so much requested to donate, it is more like forced.... but hey we get alot of funding from them so what the hell is five bucks? i mean they pretty much pay my pay check

12-23-2004, 10:15 AM	#22 (permalink)
smooth Junkie Location: Right here	I will continue to shop at Target. Like Tecoyah, I boycott Wal-Mart. I also think Target is one of the few corporations that pays its employees what I consider a decent wage. I hope that people don't boycott a respectable company like Target over something like this. The Salvation Army has plenty of venues and the company's reasoning is certainly plausible--they don't want to inundate their customers with solicitors. good, because I don't want to be inundated. __________________ "The theory of a free press is that truth will emerge from free discussion, not that it will be presented perfectly and instantly in any one account." -- Walter Lippmann "You measure democracy by the freedom it gives its dissidents, not the freedom it gives its assimilated conformists." -- Abbie Hoffman