"Give a little bit
Give a little bit of your love to me
Give a little bit
I'll give a little bit of my love to you

There's so much that we need to share
Send a smile and show you care "

Barry, My Favorite Bellringer : Chicago, IL - December 2004

So I was talking about the Salvation Army bell ringers in my post below. So I decided to go and take a picture of Barry, my favorite bell ringer, who stands outside of Virgin Megastore. He sings songs, dances, smiles and waves at the people passing by - even though it's freezing and windy outside, he's spreading his own kind of Christmas cheer. He rocks! I always keep some spare change handy when I know I'm passing by.

Some people had posted up how Target is banning bell ringers from their stores this year. Target has a no solicitation policy, but in the past as allowed the Salvation Army to solicit. Lately, they've been getting more requests for solicitation, so they decided to crack down.

According to a press release from the corporate offices, "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.

"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."

I understand Target's stance - but why now? Why after all these years? They should have prevented the Salvation army from coming there in the first place. The Salvation Army stands to lose about 15% of their profits because of this, which is a big blow.

"The Minneapolis-based chain had been the Salvation Army's second-most profitable collection point, accounting for nearly $9 million of the $93.8 million bell ringers raised nationwide in the 2003 holiday season. Wal-Mart, whose stores are the Salvation Army's most lucrative collection point, continues to allow the red-kettle collections along with Kmart."

Nine million dollars!

Sadly, other chains are following suit. Sure, I understand that it could get annoying, passing by the bellringer on your way to Christmas shopping, but it's for charity, a charity that's done a lot of good, as proven by my wonderful reader Sue:

"I also have a warm spot in my heart for the Salvation Army. Years ago our home was flooded and the Salvation Army was there every day with food for us to eat. So was the Red Cross but they charged for their food. It really makes me angry that Target is no longer allowing the Salvation Army bell ringers to grace the fronts of their stores. Scrooges!!!!"

So, when you see those bell ringers on the street, give 'em a little loose change - every little bit counts this year.

Posted by Yano at December 14, 2004 04:47 PM

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