Sometimes I Write

I am normally not one to hold up a pickett sign. People screaming from the corner defending their cause has never changed my mind about anything. I do my best to contribute to society and be an example in my own circle of influence, which expands outward like the waves on a pond when you throw a rock into it. This is not to say that everyone in my circle believes what and how I do, but I know that I make a difference. So before I can break into song singing “One small voice”, let me share the frustration that prompted this latest post.

I read an online article this morning from my Charisma Now update. It said that Minneapolis-based company TARGET made the decision back in January not to allow the Salvation Army to post bell ringers at their stores this year. The spokeswoman for TARGET said they made the decision because the S.A. was the only exception when it came to their NO SOLICITING policy, and they decided it wasn’t fair to everyone else. TARGET stores have been a key part of Salvation Army fundraising, with the group raising about 9 million last year from TARGET shoppers nationwide. They are now being “TARGETed” for boycott by several groups around the U.S. For more info. go to www.strang.com The article is listed under World News, and titled “Groups Blast Retailer’s Salvation Army Ban As “Scrooge-Like Policy”.

I mentioned in my last post that the S.A. has helped my family out in the past. As a child, I was the recipient of many gifts of food, toys, and clothing from this organization. Do you remember seeing those Christmas trees at the front of stores that you could grab a tag off the tree, buy gifts for the child listed, and return them to the tree when you are done shopping? Yep, that was me. I was one of those tags for more that a couple of years. Toys For Tots? Yep, been there too. The Salvation Army and other organizations like it depend on the generosity of us, the shoppers, to be able to provide the kinds of services that less fortunate children (and their parents) need. You know they’re out there, so why not plan for it? I guess I ‘ll continue to shop at Walmart where bell ringers, girl scouts w/ cookies, boy scouts w/ popcorn, and area ministries are allowed to sell their goods to raise money for their various causes. If you are one who is annoyed by these solicitors, avoid their eyes and pass them by, but I will be the one trying to help in any way I can. It’s even part of our budget. I have been richly blessed and it is my responsibility to give back. I am sorry to hear about TARGET’s decision. Shame on them.