Let's Boycott TARGET! Please Read

[Dust N Bones]

I found out yesterday that Target is not allowing the Salvation Army anywhere near their stores. The SA is a good cause and the I always try to give some money to each SA bell ringer even if it's only a $1. I will personnally be staying away from Target from now on and I hope others will follow.

[RossMAN]

As a shopper I definitely prefer Target over Walmart.

 

You can still donate directly to the Salvation Army

[jwolff]

Just my 2 cents worth but... While I don't agree with Target's stance, I believe they are doing this as a precaution for their customers. I too make sure to give to the Salvation Army but in recent years their associates who have stood outside have become more and more agressive and making it very uncomfortable for me as a shopper. Last year one of the Salvation Army associates actually cursed at me at a Walmart because I said that I would give as soon as I came out of the store. Not only was this unprofessional but my children were with me and I did not appreciate having to explain to my young child what a word meant.

 

As Rossman said... You can always send a donation in vs. putting it in a bin.

[venerdinero]

I agree - some of their associates were getting very aggressive and rude.

 

It was a convenient way for many of us to make a small donation, but I believe that the Salvation Army blew it by not responding to criticisms of their associates behaviour.

 

I do believe that they are still present at some other stores (anybody?) and as RossMAN noted, you can send them a donation directly.

[motoXmom]

Just my 2 cents worth but... While I don't agree with Target's stance, I believe they are doing this as a precaution for their customers. I too make sure to give to the Salvation Army but in recent years their associates who have stood outside have become more and more agressive and making it very uncomfortable for me as a shopper. Last year one of the Salvation Army associates actually cursed at me at a Walmart because I said that I would give as soon as I came out of the store. Not only was this unprofessional but my children were with me and I did not appreciate having to explain to my young child what a word meant.

 

As Rossman said... You can always send a donation in vs. putting it in a bin.

I have to agree with this poster. Most of them are really sweet and have given alot of themselves to stand out there for the donations. But I too have see and heard some not so sweet things from some of them. I use to sell Avon and went to our local Giant Eagle (food store) and asked to set up a Breast Cancer Booth. All I got from them was a huge NO! I explained that we weren't selling anything, we just wanted to hand out info and if people wanted to give donations then we of course would accept it. They then said we will get back with you. After many many phone calls and going there in person countless times all we got was the run around. They said if they let us then they would have to let everyone who asks. WTF??? A few weeks later there were the little Girl Scouts selling their cookies! When asked the manager couldn't come up with an excuse on why they were allowed and we were NOT. I do understand (kind of) both sides of this issue. Just make sure when you do see one standing out in the freezing cold try to give a little extra and maybe thank them for what they are doing! Just a thought!

[outnumbered]

What I have heard about this is that in past years, Target has not allowed any solicitors, but has made exceptions for the Salvation Army...and this year they have simply decided to be "across the board" with their policy and not make exceptions.

 

Honestly, I can't stand people hitting me up for money, regardless of what organization they're with. We are so broke to begin with...we seriously do not have any money to spare. Not even change. I hate feeling their eyes on me as I walk by giving nothing. So I'll be very happy not to run into the SA people. It gets depressing to be reminded of how little money we have, and I definitely don't like people thinking I'm being stingy when they don't know me or my financial situation.

[BFQueenofNY]

I'm sorry if this offends anyone, but I am just glad that I get one store where someone isnt hitting me up for money. Don't get me wrong - I donate - but I shouldn't have to every single time I go shopping.

[Rebirth]

I feel the same way as briansmommy999 and BFQueenofNY. Sometimes, I don't like to be bother when I go shopping or on the streets.

Sometimes SA can be so rude. If someone doesn't want to donate, leave them alone.

 

As for Target, I don't see many people boycotting them.

[elena_398]

I also feel that the Salvation Army is getting pretty aggressive in trying to get money. Last night at Walmart, I literally didn't have any cash on me. (I used my debit card for purchases). The guy collecting for them actually made the off hand comment to me that if I didn't have any cash why was I shopping!!?? I was so upset and asked him if that was part of his job...to heckle customers. I should have talked to the Walmart management, but didn't. Instead of trying to make me feel guilty into donating, he actually offended me.

[mugs]

What is with people and boycotting? Every store does something that somebody doesn't like, how long before you don't have anyplace to shop?

[motoXmom]

Elena said : Instead of trying to make me feel guilty into donating, he actually offended me.

 

These are the people I have a very hard time with. Some haven't said one word to me, they just stand there with their bell and say nothing. Others about tackle you for a donation. I know what you mean about not having cash on you, I use my debit card just about everywhere. If I see them at one exit I try to use the other! LOL

[Ebayordeath]

I kinda wonder about this. We should boycott The Home Depot because they don't want their ads posted on the internet. It is their property and their right not to want them posted until they get ready to release them. Someone suggests boycotting Target because they have turned away a charity and everyone here is like.....wait wait a minute, no reason to do that now....lets not get hasty and go doing that, they might have something I want. So what the group is saying is I have every right to learn about every way to save a penny and be damned if someone wants to stop me then lets just let them have it, lets boycott, lets talk bad about them, lets bash them. If another corporation wants to shun charitable organizations then that is ok, it makes me not feel so bad because I don't have to deal with it.......but I got their ad and that is all that matters. I bet a lot of people here do not realize what Home Depot gives back to the community, millions, every year and in every way. I am a little perturbed at the hipocritical nature that this board has taken and I will probably just fade into obscurity after reading the posts from the past few days but it is a sad day to see how some people behave and over-react about some things and will just say nothing about others. I myself do not have a lot of money, I work hard for what I get, I love a good deal, I can't wait for the ads to come out. I also volunteer my time to my community, I have 4 boys and finding time is hard to do but I do it. I don't always have money to give to the Santa's outside the store but sometimes I give the 50 cents that would have bought me a soda while shopping for the greater good. I am not condoning the Salvation Army we do not have them around here, but we have other organizations and they are allowed to set up at my local stores. It is just a little disheartening to see how people act and feel, especially as we begin the season of giving. I am rambling....... so I will sign off.

[elm73]

IN Columbus Oh most of the Slavation Army kettle collectors are PAID people. NOT volunteers. I used to give to the organiztion but I will not give to a charity which pays for people to collect donations!

[motoXmom]

Well I do quite a bit of volunteer work and do give to many organizations. Humane Society, USO, sons Hs Wrestling Club, and found some of the men & women in Iraq to send care packages to. So I do try to give my time and money! It's just the way SOME of the people are being treated for not giving each and everytime. For all the collectors know I may have given at another store(s), or maybe I gave when I went in and now they are following me on my way out too. Because they don't remember me when I went in. I also get asked to give at the registers for MD, MS and things like that. If I say no I get "the Look" you know the one I mean! As for H D all I had was problems there and it was due to a mistake on their part not mine. They said it was custom color paint no refunds... but that was nowhere near the color we wanted or what we had shown them. So for them no I do not want to go back. Sorry for going on and on but this is JMHO!

[lenny7]

No SA this year?!?!?! THanks for the heads up! I'm going to do my shopping at Target BECAUSE of the SA ban! They are so annoying.

[mugs]

IN Columbus Oh most of the Slavation Army kettle collectors are PAID people. NOT volunteers. I used to give to the organiztion but I will not give to a charity which pays for people to collect donations!

Does it detract from what they're doing if they pay people to collect donations? I'm sure they don't like having to pay people to do it, but apparantly there aren't enough volunteers. Why don't you volunteer? I know I don't because I don't have time - so I contribute by donating money instead.

[outnumbered]

It is just a little disheartening to see how people act and feel, especially as we begin the season of giving.

You don't have to give money to give. And there's a big difference between *choosing* to donate, and being forced/guilted into donating or being made to feel like a bad person because you chose not to. I don't think that just because it's "the season of giving" that suddenly everyone in front of a store is suddenly entitled to my money. I should not feel obligated to take our grocery money and put it in a kettle.

 

I can understand your point of view on the boycotting issue, but I don't think it's fair to say that because some of us are expressing annoyance at solicitors, we must not be acting in accordance with the spirit of the season. I really and truly can't afford these types of donations. We have three small children and earn under $25000/year. After groceries are bought and bills are paid, any spare money goes to clothes for the kids, gifts for family (we've been getting gifts a little at a time, as things go on sale, and most gifts will be purchased on Black Friday), and right now, car repairs are eating up money we don't have. We won't have enough money to make dh's truck driveable again till next paycheck. Still, we do what we can. We're having neighbors over for Thanksgiving, I babysit friends' and neighbors' kids for free when they have doctor appointments and the like, etc. I don't think that Christmas has to be about "giving" any more than it is about "getting"...I think what truly matters is togetherness, and enjoying/appreciating what you have in life--not just material things, but family, health, happiness, etc.

 

I do what I can for people, but it usually doesn't involve money. I give of myself, my time...I donate the kids' outgrown clothes and toys...but I cannot give money to every charity who asks for it.

 

And if Home Depot has the right to keep their ads a secret as long as they choose, because they are *their* ads, then doesn't Target have the right to keep solicitors off their property, because it is *theirs*?

 

Not to say you don't make some valid points...but I'd hate for anyone to assume that everyone who doesn't like being pressured into donating money they don't have is simply being a grinch.

[genoandkiddo]

I suggest you do a little research before anyone boycotts anybody. There was a story about this a while ago, because it is not just Target. JCpenney's, Menard's oh I can't think of any others, but it is not just Target. According to the article customers were being harassed and one guy was beaten up. I think the article mentioned something about customer rights, or something like that. I see it like this, if I have change I will give it, but if I don't, don't demand it from me. Okay that's my two cents.

[elena_398]

While Im still upset about what happened in my earlier post, I won't let that discourage me from donating as I usually do every holiday season. (I do throughout the year but mostly during christmas time). I don't know how much you guys give, but I have a rule for myself....I only donate once to each collector for every store I go too. I go shopping tons of times during now through christmas eve and I don't have the money to constantly give every time I pass a salvation army collector etc. For example..I go to walmart, I give a couple of dollars. I go to Target, I give a couple of dollars etc. BUT if I go back to the same store, I don't donate anymore. Sound bad? Sorry. I just don't have the money to constantly put in the container. When that guy heckled me last night I was so upset! I still have to give at that location though. LOL.

[Dust N Bones]

Wow I have to say I'm kind of surprised at the responses to my post. First let me say that Salvation Army bell ringers here in upstate New York are always very nice. They NEVER ask for a donation, they say hello and have a nice day or nice evening. If you don't give anything they still smile at you and are still courteous. I guess things are different in differnt parts of the country.

P.S. Nice post Ebayordeath.

[clemsongirl]

HELLO?!!! Target is a RETAILER! They give about 8 bazillion dollars to charity and last time I checked, they can do whatever they want. BTW, they don't allow ANY solicitations on their property, which is why you won't getting any crap flyers on your windshield when you leave.

[shopperstef]

I think it's sad when organisations like SA have to resort to tactics like those described above... I think they're just pushed that way in the drive to provide for the homeless and hugnry. It can be a thankless job sometimes and it's certainly never-ending...

[genoandkiddo]

Dust N Bones and Ebayordeath, Don't take the things that are in this board personally. No body here is judging you because you give, likewise don't judge us because we feel that the SA is pushy. It's nice you have nice SA people, but where I am sometimes they treat you like dirt. And EbayOrDeath, this should not be the season for giving. It should be all year long. And when People say that it upsets me. Do you think they need the money now and not say February. It should be all year long. Not just now. Like I said in my earlier post, do some research. But please don't assume we are horrible people. I can't speak for everyone, but I can say that I give money to several organizations THROUGH out the year. We have had to use the Ronald Mcdonald house. So I give them what I can. I guess what I am rambling about is this is America and we have the right to choose which organizations we want to donate to. I am sorry if this offends you but this is how I feel.

[Guest outrbanx]

I'm sorry if this offends anyone, but I am just glad that I get one store where someone isnt hitting me up for money. Don't get me wrong - I donate - but I shouldn't have to every single time I go shopping.

 

I agree wholeheartedly!

I applaud Target for taking a stand.

 

As someone who gives to charities, the homeless and peddlers year-round, I certainly shouldn't have to feel guilty for walking by someone ringing a bell.

 

As mentioned previously in this thread, Target is heavily involved with charitable organizations. This stance shouldn't be construed as a "slap in the face".

[zitadelle]

Dont worry about offending me, atleast, im sick and tired of going into a store nad having someone hit me up for money. I have enough crap to buy for my family for xmas as it is, as well as pay my bills and still splurge on the person who matters the most, ME! lol...

 

It is a bit ridiculous that anyone gives anymore anyhow. It seems about 10 times a year someone gets caught skimming our donations in huge amounts from the charities main offices, and that doesnt even account for all the thieves they have who steal from the pot itself before dropping it off. Im sure youd be surprised how many people get arrested for this by the local cops. I just dont see giving money to someone whom i have no idea what they will actually do with it. Then again, MY MONEY, MY DECISION!

[elm73]

Does it detract from what they're doing if they pay people to collect donations? I'm sure they don't like having to pay people to do it, but apparantly there aren't enough volunteers. Why don't you volunteer? I know I don't because I don't have time - so I contribute by donating money instead.

I have volunteered for them in the past...I also adopted two families for christmas from them two years ago. One was a single mother and daughter. the other was a family of six. SA gave the mother of six my phone number, they asked permission said it was so she could thank me. NOT the case she wanted the receipts for the things she was give (this was two weeks before Christmas) I am guessing she wanted the $ for something else. Sadly we purchased everything on the list. Needless to say I will NEVER do it again! As for paying volunteers it absolutly detracts from what they are doing my money is not going to the organization it is going to the fund raiser.

I am a mother of three, run a home day care and attend nursing school three night a week and every saturday. I now volunteer with Make a wish foundation where all money raised stays in the community 90% of every dollar goes to the children and there are NO paid fundraisers/collectors.

What's your excuse?

[genoandkiddo]

Elm73 you and I are on the same wave length. You go!

[shopperstef]

And EbayOrDeath, this should not be the season for giving. It should be all year long. And when People say that it upsets me. Do you think they need the money now and not say February. It should be all year long. Not just now.

Absolutely!! Hunger is not seasonal, it's not a holiday theme. It's every day, all year long. I volunteer for Food Lifeline in Western Washington and we get the most ridiculous calls from people at ths time of year -- people demanding that they volunteer ONLY on Thanksgiving Day and won't accept other shifts as a substitute, or people that will ONLY volunteer for a food bank that doesn't have religious affiliations.

 

Personally, I think it's all crap. You either want to volunteer or you don't. It shouldn't matter what day it is or what type of food bank you're serving food at; the bottom line is you're helping hungry people.

[Guest Luckycharm]

A different perspective here: I work in retail stores ALL Day long. I am in and out of Targets, Walmarts, Best Buys, Kohls, Kmarts etc.....sometimes as many as 12 a day. Then on the way home I stop at the store a couple of days a week. Most SA bell ringers are nice and nod at you, but I have already this year encountered the snotty ones. There is no way I can afford to donate in every store that has a bell ringer, yet they expect it. Last year I carried a pocketful of change and would grab out a few coins everywhere I went......it got very expensive. This year I can't handle the donations, yet they roll their eyes when I walk by???

[zitadelle]

Welcome to humanity! LOL