Don't expect to hear bells ringing this holiday season outside Target.
The retail giant is no longer allowing the Salvation Army's Red Kettle Campaign to solicit outside its stores.
"It is a concern to us because Christmas is the biggest fund-raiser we have during the year," said Rich Forney, administrator of the Lawrence Salvation Army, 946 N.H.
In the campaign that's long been an icon of the holiday season, the Salvation Army's bell-ringing volunteers stand outside by red kettles collecting contributions for the non-profit organization.
Last year, the campaign in Lawrence raised about $98,000. Of the total, $25,000 came from the kettles placed at Target, 3201 Iowa. Forney said the organization was looking for ways to make up that amount during this year's campaign, which is set to begin Nov. 13.
The Target Corp. notified national Salvation Army officials about its decision earlier this year.
The company has had a long-standing no-solicitation policy, said Target spokeswoman Carolyn Brookter. The Salvation Army bell-ringers, however, had been granted an exception.
"We receive an increasing number of solicitation inquiries from nonprofit organizations each year and determined that if we continue to allow the Salvation Army to solicit then it opens the door to other groups that wish to solicit our guests," Brookter said.
While some might see the retail giant as the Grinch stealing Christmas, Forney said he didn't think that was the case. The Salvation Army has been in long-term discussions with Target about the matter, and local management is simply following the corporation's mandate, he said.
| The Salvation Army is seeking volunteers to ring bells in its Red Kettle Campaign. Call 843-4188 for information. |
"Certainly, we appreciate being able to ring bells, but this year we won't be able to do so," Forney said. "We are looking at other options and we hope to place more kettles in front of more stores."
He said the Salvation Army in Lawrence would look into other ways Target possibly could help the organization, including grants and scholarships.
The Salvation Army is inviting people to volunteer as bell ringers. People who are interested can call 843-4188.
| Here are the 15 locations scheduled: ¢ Checker's, 2300 La. ¢ The Merc, 901 Iowa ¢ Dillons stores, 1740 Mass.; 1015 W. 23rd St.; 4701 W. Sixth St.; 3000 W. Sixth St. ¢ US Bank, 900 Mass. ¢ Hobby Lobby, 1801 W. 23rd St. ¢ Hy-Vee stores, 4000 W. Sixth St.; 3504 Clinton Parkway. ¢ JC Penney, 3311 Iowa ¢ Sears, 2727 Iowa ¢ Walgreen stores, 3421 W. Sixth St.; 400 W. 23rd St. ¢ Wal-Mart, 3300 Iowa |
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