Target gets targeted

Target has decided not to allow the Salvation Army to place its red kettles and bell ringers at its stores this Christmas season. This could cost the Salvation Army up to $9 million.

Another part of American culture (and English for that matter) may be dying. Salvation Army has used bell ringers and their signature red kettles since 1891. Who doesn’t hear the bell ringing in December and not think its Christmas in the United States?

The Sacramento Bee speculates that Target’s move means the bell ringers are a thing of the past. If so, American culture will surely suffer. The sound of the bell ringers in front of stores reminded us that in the hurry of buying gifts for our loved ones, there are other people in the world who need our help.

The bell ringers also taught us appreciation. How many times during the year do you hear a heart felt “thank you”? But you hear it when you throw some change in the kettle. The ringers thank us because they know that little bit of change adds up to millions of dollars every Christmas.

I remember asking my parents for change to put in the kettle when I was a child. It was part of the joy of experiencing Christmas, giving to others. I hope to be a father in the next couple of years, will my child be able to experience the same joy? If the Salvation Army bell ringers are being told to leave, charity is going with them.

After a Christmas tree disaster last year, Honeybun and I have decided it is time to get an artificial tree. Our next stop was Target. We’ve crossed them off our list this year and won’t be doing any Christmas shopping there. We’ll check out WalMart and go to the malls. Before we do, we’ll make sure we have change for the bell ringers.

Update: Hugh Hewitt linked to me again. Welcome Hugh Hewitt readers. Feel free to leave a comment.

  • EA

    Jason, Couldn't agree more. Sent Target a nice "Have a Merry Christmas without my money" gram. I haven't seen much in the lamestream media about this. I figure Target's got between 3-5 days to get on the stick on this before they're "locked" into their poor decision for the rest of the Holiday shopping season. Take care

  • EA

    Jason, Couldn't agree more. Sent Target a nice "Have a Merry Christmas without my money" gram. I haven't seen much in the lamestream media about this. I figure Target's got between 3-5 days to get on the stick on this before they're "locked" into their poor decision for the rest of the Holiday shopping season. Take care

  • Anonymous

    I practically live at Target. Between my wife, three children, and I we must visit your store at least three to four times each week. I recently heard about your change in policy concerning the Salvation Army; refusing to allow them to collect outside your stores over the holiday season. The news of your decision to ban the red kettles of The Salvation Army seemed surreal. Over the years we have come to associate the ringing of the bells with the coming of the Christmas Season and the sharing of good will. When I bring my children shopping during the holidays I want them to experience the joy of helping the less fortunate; I want other people’s children to share in that too. This year is appears we will have to go shopping elsewhere to drop our coins in the red kettle. We discussed this issue as family gathered around the dinner table this evening. We decided our response will be to avoid shopping at Target over the coming holiday season and to write this email to your cooperate office. What do you bet our family is not acting alone? My youngest son, Kyle (10 yrs old) reminded me of the scene out of A Miracle on 32nd Street when Santa was on trial. The judge ruling on the case (up for reelection) was pondering the News Headlines following the verdict- damned if you do, damned if you don’t. Today, you Target executives sit in the same seat as the judge, and your actions are being interpreted by a scrutinizing public. As bottom line thinking individuals, you must be aware that perception often overrides reality. The perception of Target as a caring company is in peril. It is not too late for a mid-course correction. I pray you make the best decision for everyone. Respectfully Submitted, Dan and family San Diego

  • Anonymous

    I practically live at Target. Between my wife, three children, and I we must visit your store at least three to four times each week. I recently heard about your change in policy concerning the Salvation Army; refusing to allow them to collect outside your stores over the holiday season. The news of your decision to ban the red kettles of The Salvation Army seemed surreal. Over the years we have come to associate the ringing of the bells with the coming of the Christmas Season and the sharing of good will. When I bring my children shopping during the holidays I want them to experience the joy of helping the less fortunate; I want other people’s children to share in that too. This year is appears we will have to go shopping elsewhere to drop our coins in the red kettle. We discussed this issue as family gathered around the dinner table this evening. We decided our response will be to avoid shopping at Target over the coming holiday season and to write this email to your cooperate office. What do you bet our family is not acting alone? My youngest son, Kyle (10 yrs old) reminded me of the scene out of A Miracle on 32nd Street when Santa was on trial. The judge ruling on the case (up for reelection) was pondering the News Headlines following the verdict- damned if you do, damned if you don’t. Today, you Target executives sit in the same seat as the judge, and your actions are being interpreted by a scrutinizing public. As bottom line thinking individuals, you must be aware that perception often overrides reality. The perception of Target as a caring company is in peril. It is not too late for a mid-course correction. I pray you make the best decision for everyone. Respectfully Submitted, Dan and family San Diego

  • Anonymous

    I agree with your ban on Target, but checking out Walmart instead?! Ugh… I'm with Hugh Hewitt on that one!

  • Anonymous

    I agree with your ban on Target, but checking out Walmart instead?! Ugh… I'm with Hugh Hewitt on that one!

  • EA

    Jason,

    Couldn’t agree more.

    Sent Target a nice “Have a Merry Christmas without my money” gram. I haven’t seen much in the lamestream media about this. I figure Target’s got between 3-5 days to get on the stick on this before they’re “locked” into their poor decision for the rest of the Holiday shopping season.

    Take care

  • EA

    Jason,

    Couldn’t agree more.

    Sent Target a nice “Have a Merry Christmas without my money” gram. I haven’t seen much in the lamestream media about this. I figure Target’s got between 3-5 days to get on the stick on this before they’re “locked” into their poor decision for the rest of the Holiday shopping season.

    Take care

  • Anonymous

    I practically live at Target. Between my wife, three children, and I we must visit your store at least three to four times each week. I recently heard about your change in policy concerning the Salvation Army; refusing to allow them to collect outside your stores over the holiday season. The news of your decision to ban the red kettles of The Salvation Army seemed surreal. Over the years we have come to associate the ringing of the bells with the coming of the Christmas Season and the sharing of good will. When I bring my children shopping during the holidays I want them to experience the joy of helping the less fortunate; I want other people’s children to share in that too. This year is appears we will have to go shopping elsewhere to drop our coins in the red kettle.

    We discussed this issue as family gathered around the dinner table this evening. We decided our response will be to avoid shopping at Target over the coming holiday season and to write this email to your cooperate office. What do you bet our family is not acting alone? My youngest son, Kyle (10 yrs old) reminded me of the scene out of A Miracle on 32nd Street when Santa was on trial. The judge ruling on the case (up for reelection) was pondering the News Headlines following the verdict- damned if you do, damned if you don’t. Today, you Target executives sit in the same seat as the judge, and your actions are being interpreted by a scrutinizing public. As bottom line thinking individuals, you must be aware that perception often overrides reality. The perception of Target as a caring company is in peril. It is not too late for a mid-course correction. I pray you make the best decision for everyone.

    Respectfully Submitted,

    Dan and family

    San Diego

  • Anonymous

    I practically live at Target. Between my wife, three children, and I we must visit your store at least three to four times each week. I recently heard about your change in policy concerning the Salvation Army; refusing to allow them to collect outside your stores over the holiday season. The news of your decision to ban the red kettles of The Salvation Army seemed surreal. Over the years we have come to associate the ringing of the bells with the coming of the Christmas Season and the sharing of good will. When I bring my children shopping during the holidays I want them to experience the joy of helping the less fortunate; I want other people’s children to share in that too. This year is appears we will have to go shopping elsewhere to drop our coins in the red kettle.

    We discussed this issue as family gathered around the dinner table this evening. We decided our response will be to avoid shopping at Target over the coming holiday season and to write this email to your cooperate office. What do you bet our family is not acting alone? My youngest son, Kyle (10 yrs old) reminded me of the scene out of A Miracle on 32nd Street when Santa was on trial. The judge ruling on the case (up for reelection) was pondering the News Headlines following the verdict- damned if you do, damned if you don’t. Today, you Target executives sit in the same seat as the judge, and your actions are being interpreted by a scrutinizing public. As bottom line thinking individuals, you must be aware that perception often overrides reality. The perception of Target as a caring company is in peril. It is not too late for a mid-course correction. I pray you make the best decision for everyone.

    Respectfully Submitted,

    Dan and family

    San Diego

  • Anonymous

    I agree with your ban on Target, but checking out Walmart instead?! Ugh… I’m with Hugh Hewitt on that one!

  • Anonymous

    I agree with your ban on Target, but checking out Walmart instead?! Ugh… I’m with Hugh Hewitt on that one!

  • Anonymous

    Target has a no-solication policy, but the company made an exception for the Salvation Army. Why did they end the exemption? My guess is that unions have been trying hard to organize retailers. By allowing the Salvation Army to solicit, the company might be compelled by labor laws to allow union organizers to solicit the employees in front of the store. Frankly I don't want prices in my store to go up in order to support the salaries of union leaders.

  • Anonymous

    Target has a no-solication policy, but the company made an exception for the Salvation Army. Why did they end the exemption? My guess is that unions have been trying hard to organize retailers. By allowing the Salvation Army to solicit, the company might be compelled by labor laws to allow union organizers to solicit the employees in front of the store. Frankly I don't want prices in my store to go up in order to support the salaries of union leaders.

  • Anonymous

    My kids and I have decided not to shop at Target this year–I emailed them and told them that Target won't get any of the average $2000 we spend on basic Christmas (this doesn't include my husband's purchases, but then, he usually goes to a jewelry store). One of the first things my kids got to do when they were little was put money in the pot. They actually would argue over who got to do it, so I had them take turns (which they always knew whose turn it was next, because it was important to them). Target's decision is just plain sad. kschlenker

  • Anonymous

    My kids and I have decided not to shop at Target this year–I emailed them and told them that Target won't get any of the average $2000 we spend on basic Christmas (this doesn't include my husband's purchases, but then, he usually goes to a jewelry store). One of the first things my kids got to do when they were little was put money in the pot. They actually would argue over who got to do it, so I had them take turns (which they always knew whose turn it was next, because it was important to them). Target's decision is just plain sad. kschlenker

  • Trickish Knave

    Well, we don't have a Target waaaaay out here in Hawaii. Or an Olive Garden for that matter. Actually, we don't have a lot of stuff out here. Greatblog! It is nice to see someone link to the same people I do: Hugh hewitt and Michael Medved. Congrats on the props from Hugh!

  • Trickish Knave

    Well, we don't have a Target waaaaay out here in Hawaii. Or an Olive Garden for that matter. Actually, we don't have a lot of stuff out here. Greatblog! It is nice to see someone link to the same people I do: Hugh hewitt and Michael Medved. Congrats on the props from Hugh!

  • Anonymous

    Has Target sneered and told the surplus population to die? Have they inquired after the workhouses? I don't think so. I don't think that the SA is their only philanthropic endeavor. Must they give to all to avoid being treated as if they give to none? There are other charitable causes. Until some proof is given that Target has abandoned all chariable giving I think a boycott is highly improper.

  • Anonymous

    Has Target sneered and told the surplus population to die? Have they inquired after the workhouses? I don't think so. I don't think that the SA is their only philanthropic endeavor. Must they give to all to avoid being treated as if they give to none? There are other charitable causes. Until some proof is given that Target has abandoned all chariable giving I think a boycott is highly improper.

  • Anonymous

    Target has a no-solication policy, but the company made an exception for the Salvation Army. Why did they end the exemption? My guess is that unions have been trying hard to organize retailers. By allowing the Salvation Army to solicit, the company might be compelled by labor laws to allow union organizers to solicit the employees in front of the store.

    Frankly I don’t want prices in my store to go up in order to support the salaries of union leaders.

  • Anonymous

    Target has a no-solication policy, but the company made an exception for the Salvation Army. Why did they end the exemption? My guess is that unions have been trying hard to organize retailers. By allowing the Salvation Army to solicit, the company might be compelled by labor laws to allow union organizers to solicit the employees in front of the store.

    Frankly I don’t want prices in my store to go up in order to support the salaries of union leaders.

  • Anonymous

    My kids and I have decided not to shop at Target this year–I emailed them and told them that Target won’t get any of the average $2000 we spend on basic Christmas (this doesn’t include my husband’s purchases, but then, he usually goes to a jewelry store).

    One of the first things my kids got to do when they were little was put money in the pot. They actually would argue over who got to do it, so I had them take turns (which they always knew whose turn it was next, because it was important to them). Target’s decision is just plain sad.

    kschlenker

  • Anonymous

    My kids and I have decided not to shop at Target this year–I emailed them and told them that Target won’t get any of the average $2000 we spend on basic Christmas (this doesn’t include my husband’s purchases, but then, he usually goes to a jewelry store).

    One of the first things my kids got to do when they were little was put money in the pot. They actually would argue over who got to do it, so I had them take turns (which they always knew whose turn it was next, because it was important to them). Target’s decision is just plain sad.

    kschlenker

  • Well, we don’t have a Target waaaaay out here in Hawaii. Or an Olive Garden for that matter. Actually, we don’t have a lot of stuff out here.

    Greatblog! It is nice to see someone link to the same people I do: Hugh hewitt and Michael Medved. Congrats on the props from Hugh!

  • Well, we don’t have a Target waaaaay out here in Hawaii. Or an Olive Garden for that matter. Actually, we don’t have a lot of stuff out here.

    Greatblog! It is nice to see someone link to the same people I do: Hugh hewitt and Michael Medved. Congrats on the props from Hugh!

  • Anonymous

    Has Target sneered and told the surplus population to die? Have they inquired after the workhouses?

    I don’t think so. I don’t think that the SA is their only philanthropic endeavor. Must they give to all to avoid being treated as if they give to none?

    There are other charitable causes.

    Until some proof is given that Target has abandoned all chariable giving I think a boycott is highly improper.

  • Anonymous

    Has Target sneered and told the surplus population to die? Have they inquired after the workhouses?

    I don’t think so. I don’t think that the SA is their only philanthropic endeavor. Must they give to all to avoid being treated as if they give to none?

    There are other charitable causes.

    Until some proof is given that Target has abandoned all chariable giving I think a boycott is highly improper.