Salvation Army and Target...Again

Well, now it appears the Salvation Army has enlisted a major ally in the war currently going on with Target. Wal-Mart has pledged to match donations received in Salvation Army kettles outside of their stores to the turn of $1 million dollars. Wal-mart made the announcement in response to Target's decision to ban Salvation Army bellringers and kettles from their store parking lots.

This issue is starting to get some media attention. A boycott of Target is proceeding by some Christians, but probably will not amount to enough to even catch the superstore's attention. However, others have come to the same idea I promoted -- to make a donation to the Salvation Army to help make up what they have lost from Target's decision.

Here's an article from the Christian News on the Wal-mart Decision. You can read the article on-line here: http://www.christianpost.com/article/society/1272/section/salvation.army.receives.%241million-matching.pledge.from.wal-mart/1.htm

Salvation Army Receives $1million-Matching Pledge from Wal-Mart
The Army good news from Wal-Mart after receiving bad news from Target.
Saturday, Dec. 18, 2004 Posted: 2:53:07PM EST

The Salvation Army said Friday it has received a matching pledge from Wal-Mart Stores, which will match up to $1 million its customers’ donations to the red kettles in front of its stores. Wal-Mart’s announcement is a solace to the national ministry after Target banned the Army’s bell ringers from its locations.
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“At a time when it was needed the most, Wal-Mart has extended its hand to support a 104-year old tradition that benefits many thousands of people in communities throughout the United States,” said Commissioner W. Todd Bassett, National Commander of The Salvation Army. The matching pledge kicked-off Friday and applies to the Army’s red kettles in front of the Wal-Mart & SAM'S CLUB Foundation’s 3,600 Wal-Mart Stores, Supercenters, Neighborhood Markets and SAM'S CLUBS through Christmas Eve. According to the Army, the contributions will used for disaster relief efforts, feeding the hungry, and helping needy families in more than 9,000 communities across the country.Said Basset, “Every dollar put into our Red Kettles is used locally, and Wal-Mart’s generosity by matching those dollars will extend our local services to many more needy individuals requiring our assistance far beyond the holiday season.”Last year, bell ringers collected $12 million in front of Wal-Mart and SAM’S CLUBS, accounting for more than 10% of the total donations raised through the nationwide Christmas appeal. A spokesman from Wal-Mart told The Christian Post the $1 million will likely be raised. However, the ministry is projecting to suffer a $9 million loss, the amount it raised last year through Red Kettle drives at Target locations. Target received a huge backlash from pro-family groups and its shoppers for kicking out the Salvation Army bell ringers. Pro-family activist groups such as the American Family Association, Christian Defense Coalition, National Clergy Council, Illinois Family Institute, among others, have urged boycotts on Target stores in favor of stores that do allow the red kettles such as Wal-Mart. “The Red Kettles are an enduring symbol of the holiday season and represent people helping people,” said Betsy Reithemeyer, vice president of corporate affairs for Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.“We hope our customers join us in donating what they can to benefit an organization that does so much in our communities to serve families in need. The Salvation Army Red Kettles and the bell ringers are truly a holiday tradition worth keeping.”Reaching 33 million people last year, the Salvation Army reported it provided food for the hungry, companionship to the elderly and ill, clothing and shelter to the homeless, opportunities for underprivileged children, relief for disaster victims, assistance for the disabled, and many more services. A online donation to the Army’s Red Kettle drive can also be made through a link on Wal-Mart’s Web site leading to the Salvation Army’s online Kettle donation page, www.1800salarmy.org. People can also call 1- 800-SAL-ARMY to donate.