Target Bans Salvation Army

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Target's decision to ban the Salvation Army was less than popular with many of its customers. On the other hand, a few defended it.

Carolyn of Santa Maria CA (12/16/04):
I love Target! I live only 3 blocks from our store. I buy many things there including gifts and prescriptions. I was devastated to see on televison that Target will no longer allow the Salvation Army to soiicit funds in front of its stores for the needy at Christmastime. Is this true? Rules I understand but this is a little extreme! There is the letter of the law and the spirit of the law. Christmas should be about the spirit.

Last year it was so nice. There was a man with a guitar and a beautiful voice there singing beautiful Christmas music. People instead of being offended by the solititation were standing around singing with him. This country was founded on Christian principles. Christmas is definitily a Christian principle. Are we going so far to try to not offend the nonbelievers that we are losing our own identity as a caring Christian nation? It is very scary to me. The Salvation Army does not cram religion down people's throats. They simply show love by providing them with a few necessities like food, clothing, shelter and love, the basic needs of all people everywhere.

Jose of Lebanon OR (12/6/04):
Your recent decision to ban the Salvation Army from your stores is anti-Christmas tradition. Two things I do during the Christmas season -- #1 shop at Target, #2 give to the Salvation Army. Since your reason for banning the Army is to not discriminate against other groups, I will not shop at your stores, so as not to discriminate against your competitors.

Elaine of Sturgeon Bay WI (12/5/04):
My family has shopped at Target since day one making many purchases over the years. At this time however I can guarantee you that I won't step foot in a Target store again. The reason is your pathetic decision to not let the Salvation Army collect during the Holiday season. I am not a member of any church. My decision is based on your lack of compassion and humanity and your sickness of greed and selfishness. P.S. I will do my best to spread the word to everyone I know!

Barry of Jefferson NH (12/20/04):
Your Target story on banning the Salvation Army really touched a nerve in me. I am not a Christian but I am not offended by the Army or indeed by anyone's firmly held and peaceful beliefs. I think a good many people think this way. For myself I plan to boycott Target and explain to all and sundry why.

Ronald of Penn Valley CA (11/27/04):
Dear Target, Please remove my name and address from your future mailings. Your removal of the Salvation Army Bell Ringers from the front of your stores is extemely sad and particularly unnecessary. This is the time of year we should be thinking about everyone - even the poor who can't afford to shop at your stores.

Jean of Dunanville TX (11/25/04):
Over the past few years I have made many purchases at Target for myself and also for gifts for baby showers, wedding and bridal showers. I have also made purchases for clothing for grandchildren and numerous other purchases. I am writing this today to let you know that I WILL NOT shop Target anymore because of the Salvation Army thing. All my friends are disturbed about this and many people I know that shopped today (the day after Thanksgiving) went elsewhere to buy their Christmas.

It is a shame that a man is so selfish that he can give himself such a bonus and not care about the people the Salvation Army helps.

Andrew of Sacramento (11/25/04):
I am a member of the Jewish community and am appalled you didn't allow the Salvation Army to raise funds for the poor during the Christmas season. I will not shop at your store until the Salvation Army is welcome.

Cecilia of Irving TX (11/12/04):
I am extremely upset with your company as a whole and at your heartlessness during the holiday season. I recently read an article that you will not allow the Salvation Army to take donations in front of your store at Christmas. I have you know that my husband and I are frequent shoppers in your store and so is our extended family. We enjoy the store, the selection, and the price. But now I have to wonder just how ethical of a company are you. I see all kinds of advertisements with Tiger Woods asking people for ideas of how to help others ... well, apparently that is total crap! If you wanted to help somebody, you would allow the Salvation Army to collect donations in front of your store. They are a non-profit organization that helps millions of poor people every year!

Giving to the Salvation Army, particularly at Christmas embodies the spirit of goodwill, kindness, and love. And yet you people are willing to throw that away! Why? Do you think it will make you a few more bucks? I for one am totally disgusted. Every year I look forward to giving what little extra money we have to the Red Salvation Army Bucket every year. I guess my family will have to do our Christmas shopping elsewhere this year...so that we can spread a little Christmas cheer and hopefully help those who are truly in need. Again I am upset and disgusted and will have to take my business to Wal-Mart ... or Kmart, or some other moral company.

Marie of Brooklyn Park MN (11/24/04):
We are writing to let you know that we will not be shopping at Target Stores although we have shopped there plenty. We were sorry to hear of your decision to terminate Salvation Army contributions being at your stores this Christmas season. We have always put something in for them after each shopping trip out. It is one way of being able to help others. We have been told other stores have made an exception for them although they do not allow any other organizations at their stores. We would ask that you re-consider this decision and allow them to be at your Target Stores as well. We like Target for the quality and the prices but are sorry that you felt the need to make this decision to provide a platform to help those in need especially over the Holiday.

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