Ban on charity bell ringers makes shoppers think twice Boycotts threatened; Westlake kettle OKd

San Francisco Chronicle ^ | 12/2/4 | Tanya Schevitz

[SmithL]

The Salvation Army has received an outpouring of support after reports that two major department store chains -- Target and Mervyn's -- had banned the charity's holiday bell ringers from collecting donations in front of their stores, a spokeswoman said Wednesday.

The Salvation Army's office in San Francisco received scores of calls from people who said they were shocked by the chains' decision to boot the little red kettles off their property after years of permitting the collections. Some callers said they were writing letters to the corporations; others promised to boycott the stores.

"People are saying they are saddened that the stores won't let the bell ringers be there,'' said Jennifer Byrd, the Salvation Army spokeswoman for the area from the Bay Area to Bakersfield. "People are really coming out to tell us stories about how important the Salvation Army is."

A spokeswoman for Target said its no-solicitation policy would remain in force. Representatives for Mervyn's did not return phone calls seeking comment.

Target and Mervyn's have banned the kettle collectors altogether. Safeway has cut back the number of days that Salvation Army collectors can stand in front of its supermarkets this holiday season.

That means the loss of big money. Donations to the kettle pots, a tradition that started in San Francisco in 1891 with a crab pot at the foot of Market Street, accounted for $93 million nationwide last year.

In response to the ban by Target and Mervyn's, other retailers have called to offer their storefront locations to the kettle ringers.

[BlessedBeGod]

Yes, you're right. Marshall Fields was sold to May Department Stores -- the same company that owns Lord & Taylor, Filene's, etc.

[marty60]

Actually this is a very well reasoned response. Sadly. However, I would like to see the canceled check for any donations.

[Quinotto]

Well reasoned? Where's the reason? The St. Jude bit? Arguments are based on facts and the fact about St. Jude charity is that is not being held at the doors and that, grasshopper, was is it all about. And as far as the canceled checks, I'll show you mine if you show me yours or at least form 501 from your charity of choice or your Schedule A from your 1040 and heck, it's Christmas time, I am an understanding woman, I will even take your 8283.

[marty60]

see # 80

[RobRoy]

That's not an overreaction. That is simply the reason I don't give money to anyone on the street.

[RobRoy]

Another shame tactic.

[RobRoy]

To confirm that, I am going to Minneapolis to give a presentation at Target headquarters. I found out about it literally a few minutes after I read this thread.

[RobRoy]

I may add, which is more charitable, writing and mailing a check for $1,000, or dropping $1.37 in change into a bell ringers bucket to make you "feel good?"

[RobRoy]

"Let not the left hand know what the right hand is doing."

[Quinotto]

My apologies, once you pointed the meaning of your reply, it made sense. It was late at night, coming home from hospital rounds, things at that time of night are not necessarily what they appear to be! Again, my apologies.