Target
@lilttownmommie (1473)
United States
January 11, 2007 12:05pm CST
After reading this and finding out the Target stores will not allow the Salvation Army to stand outside their stores and ring thier bell during Christmas time simply because they feel "they do not need to support Christian organizations" I feel that I should not support Target any more. How do you feel about this?
This was an email that a friend of my mother in law sent to me, she is the teacher....
As most of you know, our dear friend and hero, Captain Shawn English, died on December 3 serving our country in Iraq . He was an integral part of our classroom as we corresponded frequently with him and his MiTT team.
Most importantly, he was Nathan's(my student) dad. When he was home on leave just a few weeks ago, he came to our classroom and shared a slide-show with us. He showed many pictures of Iraq , the country, Sadaam's palaces, but mostly the children. He told us how they loved more than anything to play soccer. We decided that as a Christmas project, each child in our class would bring in a soccer ball and we would send them to Captain English in Iraq When he went out on missions, he and his guys could pass them out to
the Iraqi children. We were to mail them on Monday, December 4. Since his accident, we have had a huge outpouring of support from the community and other children in our school who also wanted to bring soccer balls.
They all knew that Shawn was also a soccer coach for his own boys' teams. We hadone mom in our class who, together with her son, was so touched by this tragedy, began calling the big stores in our town asking if they would donate more soccer balls so that we could send as many as possible to Captain English's team in Iraq , carrying on his wish in his memory.
She called Wal Mart and Target. Wal Mart graciously donated $100 worth of soccer balls. Target (previously MY favorite store) unfortunately told her that they do not under any circumstances support this war or any war and do not support our military presence and WOULD NOT be donating any soccer balls to this cause, or any other charity supporting soldiers. Because of stores like Target and their glorious corporate ment ality, we are, as Shawn
said, a military at war and not a country at war. Truly it isn't about wanting something for free. It is about being a nation of people who need to support the soldiers, their families and the leadership of our nation and knowing that they are defending abroad our right to live the way we do.
Thankfully, so many other organizations and people have offered a
tremendous show of support for the English family. The Kiwanis Club of Panama City brought boxes and is going to pay for the shipping to send the balls to Iraq Tricia wants them to be sent to Shawn's Iraqi counterpart, Colonel Saad. He will see that the Iraqi children get the balls. The Bay County Youth Soccer
League brought a huge box of soccer balls to donate as well. The
soldiers from the Navy base came last week and deflated them for us so that we could box and ship them. We are so appreciative on behalf of their family for all of this.
I just wanted to share this information with you. This is obviously
something very close to my heart. It has been and will continue to be a central part of our classroom as we continue to teach the value of freedom, the strength of friendship and the power of love that our Captain English exemplified for us each day that he lived.
I say we strike shopping at Target.
6 people like this
45 responses
@everybodylovesleah (244)
• United States
12 Jan 07
You can't make someone give to a cause. A company or a person for that matter has the right to choose to give to whoever they feel worthy to give to. Furthermore, this is a business, not a charity, so its impossible to give to every organization or everyone who has a charitable cause.
If they are against the war, that is more than enough reason not to support this particular cause. You are deeming your cause more worthy than others. You do not know who they have given to or what causes they have supported, but because they won't donate money for soccer balls, all the sudden they are "evil". Righhhhhht.
This is paramount to someone who walks past the salvation army bell ringers without giving, for whatever reason, maybe they have already given to charity, maybe they just don't want to, and deeming them some horrible person.
Fortunately we are people with minds and brains who have free will and choice including the choice to contribute to whatever cause we want to.
It's a charitable cause and causes where someone has to GIVE you something that you aren't working for or giving a good in return for the money you receive should be optional...and why would we want it any other way?
3 people like this
@lilttownmommie (1473)
• United States
15 Jan 07
I do not support the war or the Bush administration, however, I can support the men and women in uniform without supporting the war, it has nothing to do with target not supporting war, that actually makes me keep the slightest little speck of resepct for them, but I feel if they feel they have no need to support our troops then they should not have any freedom.
@Victoria7 (1240)
• Spain
12 Jan 07
I think it is up to the shop! If they don´t want to support non-Christian organisations or war then it´s their choice. Not everyone is a Christian and not everyone agrees with certain wars. I would continue shopping there. Actually, I am not in the US and had never heard of Target before reading your post but their choices are valid and up to them.
3 people like this
@lilttownmommie (1473)
• United States
15 Jan 07
supporting our troops is not supporting the war, supporting the war is sending funds to the government just for the war, you can support troops 100% without supporting the war
@Pigglies (9329)
• United States
12 Jan 07
I'm all for charities, but I must say, I don't really like the Salvation Army and I won't donate to them. They have a history of discrimination amoung their employees, and I'd rather donate to an organization that accepts all volunteers and employees equally.
I didn't like them standing out in front of Target because they not only rang those bells out here, but they would often try to talk to you and get you to give some money. It got really annoying.
I volunteer and I donate to charities on my own, they don't need to come seek me out.
2 people like this
@lilttownmommie (1473)
• United States
15 Jan 07
the salvation army is not my sole deciding factor, it has alot to do with our troops, because you can support the men and women in uniform without supporting the war or the Bush administration, anyone who voted for Bush is supporting the war and not supporting our troops.
@venshida (4836)
• United States
12 Jan 07
You might want to recheck your sources on this one. This is a ridiculous chain letter from 2004, a lot of it is made up. Target does support the military and different christian organizations. I donot remember the specifics of the bell ringers, but this is what Target gave the Salvation Army December 2006, $1000,000 to launch Target/Salvation Army Angel Tree. Target also will support the Salvation Army by donating 100% of proceeds from sales of a limited edition Harvey Lewis angel ornament. I got this info from the Salvation Army website. I donot think its good idea to tell people strike against any company without through investigation. There are always to sides to a story.
2 people like this
@lilttownmommie (1473)
• United States
15 Jan 07
my mother in law's friend has no reason to lie about Target telling her that they refuse to support the troops.
@Sawsen (793)
• United States
12 Jan 07
I don't think that it's a fair judgement for you to want to strike shopping at Target. What ever happened to freedom of religion. I'm sure if a representative from another religion wanted to stand out there and do the same thing, most likely no one would strike. No one would probably care. It does not make Target bad just because they do not want to favor one religion over another. I think their belief is, all or nothing. And I think nothing is good in this case.
@lilttownmommie (1473)
• United States
15 Jan 07
Did you not read the whole discussion, did you only read the first line? OMG you people are disgusting me, it's not all about religion, what about our troops? People who feel they dont need to support our troops should be forced to lose their freedom.
@Tarrish (562)
• United States
12 Jan 07
I would like to see more proof on what Target is actually saying about the SA before I can make a real decision on anything about the store. I have a real hard time believing that they actually said they wouldn't help any Christian related organizations.
The only stores I won't shop at are Gap, Nike stores, and espeically Wal-Mart. If there is a big bad in the shape of a store out there it's Wal-Mart. I'd worry about that place over Target any o'day.
2 people like this
@sedel1027 (17846)
• Cupertino, California
11 Jan 07
Even though they don't allow the bell ringers (they have a no solicitation policy) they have a huge partnership with the Salvation Army. So they do donate to the organization.
1 person likes this
@lilttownmommie (1473)
• United States
11 Jan 07
If they do support the Salvation Army why did thier company spokes person say that they feel they have no need to support Christian organizations when questioned about why they rejected the bell ringers? Walmart and Kmart have no solicitation policies as well, but they still allow the Salvation Army to ring thier bells. Besides the fact, the no solicitation policy refers to no one being able to sell items or harass people to buy things on the property, however they do make exceptions for Girl Scouts to sell thier cookies in the parking lot.
@thewatchlist (653)
• United States
12 Jan 07
You should check your sources claiming that a store rep said they "have no need to support Christian organizations" as clearly do support the Salvation Army and other Christian orgs.
People get too worked up over silly chain mails without actually checkign to see if these shocking things they read are true or not. Just because someone you know and trust forwarded you the email doesn't mean that they verified it as true.
1 person likes this
@mommy2damm (51)
• United States
25 Jan 07
Target also donates to Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts too. I'm sure they donate to alot of other things. I love Target ans will never stop shopping thier. Their prices are good and the clearance is the best.
@4monsters4me (2569)
• United States
12 Jan 07
I don't think Target is doing anything wrong, on the contrary they are clearing up some obvious favoritism towards the Salvation Army. They have a "no solicitation" policy yet previously they allowed the SA to collect outside their stores. Now that they are actually following up on their own rules everyone is getting all worked up.
Here is the Snopes article about it: http://www.snopes.com/inboxer/charity/sallyann.asp
Target donates a lot of money to different charities. Every company has their own set of rules about who they will and will not donate. Target gives a break to people that buy toys to give to Toys for Tots but they do not actually donate to that charity. They are also helping the Salvation Army through and online effort.
I know I will continue to shop at Target.
And the thing about Starbucks is also false.
http://www.snopes.com/politics/military/starbucks.asp
The company, itself, does not donate to the military (due to their donation rules) but it does allow it's employees to donate their free coffee they get. It wasn't like they were blatantly turning down the soldiers--it is just policy. If they break policy for them, then who else do they break it for?
1 person likes this
@4monsters4me (2569)
• United States
12 Jan 07
Well, that's the point they are making. They can't show preference to one religion over another. They are just being fair. If they donated to Christian charities, non Christians would yell favoritism and then they would have to donate to all religious organizations. Easier to just say no to everyone and find a different group of charities to donate to. My husband's company only contributes to higher education funds. That is what they chose after careful consideration, just like you chose to favor Christian ones over others. It is their choice and nothing wrong with it.
Not everyone that works for those companies are Christian.
1 person likes this
@lilttownmommie (1473)
• United States
15 Jan 07
our nation was founded on Christianity, do people refuse to have money because it says on a bill "In God We Trust" is that favoritism towards Christiaity?
@lilttownmommie (1473)
• United States
12 Jan 07
I still do not like the fact that Starbucks refuses to donate to religious charities, the first charities that Ichose to donate to are Christian ones, but maybe that is just how I was raised, and I will forever be a Christian.
@cyntrow (8523)
• United States
12 Jan 07
Before you get all angry about it, I suggest checking on Snopes.com to see if this is indeed factual. Most of the time items like this are put out by the competiton or by an ex employee. By the time it makes it around to all our families and friends it becomes known as true, even if it isn't.
For instance, I would draw your attention to the old rumor that Proctor and Gambel was run by satan worshippers. Turned out to be a complete fabrication, but many people believed it; and this was before the internet.
Check snopes.com. Type target or salvation army into their search bar and see what you come up with.
1 person likes this
@lilttownmommie (1473)
• United States
15 Jan 07
I know for a fact that Target said they would not support our troops because they do not support the war, this was told to a friend of my mother in law, and I dont think she would lie about something like that, she has no reason, no motives
@lilttownmommie (1473)
• United States
15 Jan 07
Never once did I say I was perfect, if you think you are so perfect then you be the one to throw the first stone, yes I did make 2 remarks that were out of the way because people like that annoy me posting I dont know, ect on discussions just to increase their ratings, obvisously you have not been around here long enough to know things like this, secondly, not once did I ever say i was an active Christian sitting in the front row at church every Sunday, I am no where near that, but I still believe in Christ, and am a Christian, if you have a problem with me then don't read my discusions, and I am sure if I were to call Target and ask them to do something to support our troops I would get the same answer, alot of people are too ignorant to realize that the can support our troops with out supporting the war, if it were not for our troops target would cease to exist, but no one thinks about things like that, people take freedom for granted.
@jessndenise (19)
• United States
15 Jan 07
the "friend" of your mother in law's was told this. You should not always believe what you hear. If it wasn't told directly to you, although she may not have reason to lie to you, you still are hearing this second hand. You should know how just one little word can change the outcome of the comment. I would call the Target corporate office myself, ask the same exact question this person asked, and see what they tell YOU. If you hear the same thing, then fine...you have right to be upset, but I've learned from experience that second hand info isn't always exactly accurate. I would hope that you're old enough to know this yourself. I've also been reading everything that's posted on here, and to be such a "Christian" you sure have a lot of negative things to say about people, and the choices THEY make. Just because it's not the same as you would do things, or the same beliefs you have, you're wanting to strike them. Can't everyone have their own opinion, and make choices for themselves? You also have called quite a few people on here names, and talked bad to them. Is that how the Christians do things these days?
1 person likes this
@shywolf (4514)
• United States
12 Jan 07
This is really sad. I wish that i could say that I would boycott target, but I can't just yet because I have a free gift card coming to me that I have to use there. I guess that isn't really me spending my personal money there, anyway. But I feel like they truly have no right to do this. Charity is charity! They should not refuse any charities :(
@lilttownmommie (1473)
• United States
15 Jan 07
have you actually called these schools to see if they have recieved the money "given" to them?
@jessndenise (19)
• United States
15 Jan 07
no I haven't actually "called" the schools, but I'm sure that since I do work for Target, if it wasn't true...I would've heard something by now since they do post it right at the front of most stores how much is given to each individual school. I know in my old store in NC, we did give money to schools, and even to the University of North Carolina. I was there the day we had some kind of thing for UNC, and all the basketball players were in the store.
@jessndenise (19)
• United States
17 Jan 07
You asked me if I had actually called these schools to find out, and my answer was no. It still is no, but since you have got my curiosity up, and I want to know more about all this, since I work at Target, I figured I'd ask around. I didn't mention why I was asking, just asking because I want to know. As far as the school thing, it's a big deal when we give the money to them. Those huge checks that you see when someone hits the lottery and stuff...it's a big presentation when we give them money. They print up one of those huge checks, and there's some big thing with whoever is important with the schools there, so they are the ones who get the check. If that person isn't available, the check just gets mailed to them. I did not ask this question, but my store manager was there when I was talking to my HR rep...he said.."yeah, did you hear that we're owned by the French?" and started laughing. I told him I had, and asked him if it was true...he said no it's not. So with both of them present, I asked what is Target's stand point with the war in Iraq, and supporting the troops? He told me that apparently there's an organization out there that allows the families of troops overseas to record things for them. They can read stories, books, letters, tell them things, etc...and it's recorded on video. These videos are then shipped to the soldiers overseas. The biggest sponsor of this organization is Target. As far as your mother in laws friend asking for a donation of soccer balls, or however they asked for the donation, I learned that Target's policy is that they only support non profit organizations. Although this would be a non profit thing, your mother in laws friend is not an organization. If it would've been the Salvation Army, or another organization that people have heard of asking for the donation, they most likely would have got the donation they were asking for. But for one person to call and ask for a donation, even if it is for a good cause, it's still one person, and how does anyone know this person is legit? I can understand that. I hope you can. I'll give you an example. My HR was contacted by a woman whose housing complex was having a Christmas party for the entire complex. She was asking for a donation for the party. Although it would have been for a good cause...helping out part of a community...she was told no. She is a non profit thing, and it's for a good cause, but she's not an organization, and this would not be something that is "helping" someone in need of something. Then later that month, my HR rep was contacted by the Salvation Army for a donation. Although it was only a small amount, she still wrote them a check for $50 out of the store funds. So, in a 30 minute conversation with my store manager, and HR rep, I found out all this information, and quite a bit more. I'm only not listing that because it's not what this whole bulletin is about. But still, in 30 minutes I got information that is the opposite of what you have been told. If you still feel the way you feel, I'm sorry you feel that way, but Target does support the Salvation Army, and Target does support the troops overseas. Feel free to contact any HR rep for Target, and talk to them, ask them questions...maybe then you will not feel this way. Hope all is well.
@lilttownmommie (1473)
• United States
15 Jan 07
Ive never been bothered by the Salvation Army, not like other "charities" who stand outside stores and beg for donations, or to buy something like girl scouts and their cookies
@lilttownmommie (1473)
• United States
15 Jan 07
Ive never been bothered by the Salvation Army, not like other "charities" who stand outside stores and beg for donations, or to buy something like girl scouts and their cookies
@Pigglies (9329)
• United States
12 Jan 07
Actually, outside the store is still their property. They don't allow solicitors to sell you things, they don't have to allow people to ask for donations there either.
I never got the overwhelming Christian message from the Salvation Army, but maybe at other locations they were preaching as well and becoming quite an annoyance to the shoppers.
People outside can keep people from wanting to shop there. That hurts Target's sales, so they want those people gone.
2 people like this
@lilttownmommie (1473)
• United States
11 Jan 07
I used to shop at Target quite a bit, I am ashamed of this now, and the more I learn about them the more I despise the store. I think that I will be giving Walmart all of my business from now on.
@starr4all (2863)
•
11 Jan 07
You might want to check into Walmart. As much as I like walmart, they are horrible to their employees. Yes we the customers get lower prices, but the reasons for that is the employees pay and benefits are cut. I've been hearing more and more bad things about them.
1 person likes this
@lilttownmommie (1473)
• United States
12 Jan 07
My mother and I have both worked for Walmart in the past, my mom worked for them for about 15 years, and we never had any experience of being mistreated. As far as pay, Walmart pays much better than most places. I started off as a cashier at 16 years old making $7.25/hr Winn Dixie, Food World, Kmart ect only started their cashiers out at $5.50-$6.00 per hour. So I am not sure where you are getting your information but maybe you should check in to it.
@Geminigirl (1909)
• United States
12 Jan 07
I love Target and I think they have great merchandise that is a step above other department stores without adding on a huge price. I can always count on them to have high qulaity goods at a fair price. Personally, I am glad that they do not have the bell ringers there. I find them highly annoying. Not everyone has spare money or even change to pass out to every person ringing a bell at every store. I support charities a great deal, but I do that on my own time. I refuse to feel guilted into giving change. Tis has nothing to do with religion. This is me wanting to get in and out of a store quickly, regardless of time of year, without a ton of annoyances. I go to a store to shop for my needs, not to donate to charity. I resent these bell ringers imposing in my space, regardless of religion, tradition or time of year.
@lilttownmommie (1473)
• United States
12 Jan 07
what about them not supporting our troops, you do not have to support the war to support the men and women riking thier lives for us, and for target to be able to keep their doors open. Personally I had rather the money I spend at a store support our troops rather than the cast of Survivor. I used to love shopping at target until I began hearing what a disgraceful company they are.
@Geminigirl (1909)
• United States
12 Jan 07
I'm not uptight, just expressing my views. After all this site is what it is all about. Thanks for reading my post.
1 person likes this
@Itallie (65)
• Italy
12 Jan 07
For the same reason that you are allowed to propose a strike on Target, the store is allowed to choose who (if anyone) it will donate to. That's the beauty of a democratic society. Maybe this is a good lesson for your students. I don't believe that anyone should ever feel bullied into donating to anyone or anything, even if they can't give a good reason why they don't want to. You should read some Ayn Rand. Her philosophies are brilliant, but they are controversial because they suggest that people be responsible for themselves and not feel required to care for others in any manner.
Target is a successful company for a lot of reasons; whatever they are doing they are doing right. Why do you think you know how to improve their company? Even if it is just in the realm of morals or ethics?
1 person likes this
@lilttownmommie (1473)
• United States
15 Jan 07
I am sick of you people who do not read the entire discussion, if you feel that our troops should not be supported 100% then you should be stripped of your freedom and your "democratic society"
@Tarrish (562)
• United States
15 Jan 07
Your above statement makes no sense. This is a democracy for a reason. People have the right to choose what they do or do not believe in.
I wouldn't worry about people supporting the troops now anyway. (obviously many do!) How about supporting them when they come home. This war smells like Vietnam all over again, and all those people who were claimed "troop supporters" left those boys behind when they came home.
Somebody shouldn't be kick out of this country because they do not support a war that shouldn't even be going on. I'm all for the support of our boys/ girls only because I think it's horrible they're over there. I wish every single one of them could come home safe to their families.
I support the troops coming home...how about that?
Anyway, if Target doesn't give money to certain places then so be it. They do give money to others, and that help should be appreciated. Like I said before I doubt Target is really saying they won't help any Christian ran organization. That just sounds to weird. Wouldn't we have heard more about this??
@starr4all (2863)
•
12 Jan 07
Actually Target is not owned by a French company.
http://www.snopes.com/politics/military/target.asp
It's considered another urban legend.
1 person likes this
@Celanith (2327)
• United States
12 Jan 07
I have not shopped in Target for 7 years now due to their bait and switch tactics to advertizes something on sale, stating there are quanities and think that means two. Then selling those to the target workers before the store opens and when you go in ask the minute the door opens for the sale item. They tell you they are sold out and you wonder how that could be they just opened. Oh we only had two and two of our workers wanted them so got them. That was first of all unfair to customers. Then I asked two you said quanities and they go well so we fudged a little. But we have this other blah blah blah for ONLY $100 more. What. I am on a tight budget had just enough for the sale one and they do a switch I don't think so. I told them off and said I would NEVER set foot in their store again and haven't. So the more people who stop shopping at stupid Target the better, let them go down and fold up.
@jessndenise (19)
• United States
13 Jan 07
you must not know Target's policy on this. We are NOT allowed to purchase items before the store opens. If this happened in your store...they must not be following policy, and that is an issue that needs to be brought up to the corporate office. I know in my store, if we purchase ANYTHING while on the clock, we can, and will be automatically terminated. For example, when the PS3 came out, we only got 14 of them. We had people waiting in front of the store for them just as everyone else did. I know that 3 of those people were employees. They waited just like everyone else did. They were not on the clock, or even working when we opened that morning. They did work later in the day, but that doesn't matter. My store follows this poilicy to the T. I know of several people who have been fired this year for attempting to do this stuff. I can't speak for all Target stores, but for my store, we do follow policy. This is what we have our AP team for...to make sure even the employees are following policy...actually if you want the truth...they are harder on us, than on you. They watch us more. It's a store to store thing though in the end as to how things are done. There's policy, but it's up to the store to make sure that policy is followed. Try another Target...see if things are done the same...most likely not.
1 person likes this
@enemies (739)
• India
12 Jan 07
Actually Target has a much better health plan. They allow more workers to be full time, while Wally World does not. Ask any city planner, Target tries to work with the community, Wally wants to be smack dab wherever it will shut out the most business. Wally sells more foreign goods contrary to popular belief. Wally does not pay as well and have been in litigation for several years for paying women way less than men for the same exact job and time served with the company..
1 person likes this
@lilttownmommie (1473)
• United States
12 Jan 07
exactly where are you getting these facts? I have worked for Walmart, and my mother has too, we were never paid less than any men for doing the same job, their pay is set in their system, the only way to get raises is to go through home office where the employees are twice as many women then men, Also, I applied for a job at Target almost 2 years ago as a cashier, their starting pay was $6.00/hour, as for walmart it is $7.25/hour as a cashier to start out. I really wish you people would look up your information before you say that Walmart doesn't pay their employees
@lilttownmommie (1473)
• United States
12 Jan 07
someone did mention on the previous page that they are a french company, however they do have a US head quarters, and the US has control over the stores here in the US
@Geminigirl (1909)
• United States
12 Jan 07
You may want to relax about the fireman issue. Just chill, its all good in the hood.
1 person likes this
@SageMother (2277)
• United States
12 Jan 07
Christian organizations need no support.
They can change the laws to reflect their beliefs, they can show up on your doorstep and start trying to convert you, uninvited, They can determine what a woman does with her body.
They can go shop at Wallmart for all I care. Maybe if they weren't so obnoxious, they would be more welcomed!
They need nothing!
@lilttownmommie (1473)
• United States
12 Jan 07
I do not understand why you say this, athiest people can change laws with thier beliefs too, like the athiest father who petitioned to have "One Nation Under God" removed from the Pledge of Alegiance because his daughter was attending a public school who recited the Pledge of Alegiance. Also, the only people that I have ever known to show up on a door step and try to convert somone was Jehovahs Witness in which (no offenese to anyone) I do not believe in anyways.
@lpetges (3036)
• United States
12 Jan 07
Target is owned by the French!!! surprise surprise, yes i sold my stock as soon as i found this information out. France does not support the USA in the war, which alot of Americans also don't. But then why would they want to profit off the USA??? Because we make them an obscene amount of money. It's been a sweet little secret that they keep. I don't shop there anymore, and I don't believe they should even be in the USA.
@jessndenise (19)
• United States
19 Jan 07
I guess you believe in all kinds of rumors too then right?? Target is NOT owned by the French, so where ever you heard that, it is false. You should check out www.snopes.com if you would like to read more. You should really check the facts before you go and do something so rash as selling all your stock.
