Mervyn's Welcomes Back Salvation Army Bell Ringers
Mervyn’s announced Thursday it is lifting its ban on Salvation Army bell ringers and is making an exception to its no solicitation policy for the Army’s annual Christmas Kettle Drive.
Mervyn’s spokesperson Greg Terk said in a statement, “Mervyn’s is pleased to announce we are making an exception to our no solicitation policy and we immediately welcome the Salvation Army and its annual holiday bell ringer program to all our stores.”
Terk noted that Mervyn’s was able to offer the opportunity to Salvation Army as a private company. Mervyn’s was formerly owned by Target Corp., which announced in January it will ban the Army from holding its kettle drive in front of all its stores.
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“A commitment to the communities where we do business is important to us,” Terk said, “and it is our hope that this exception to our long-standing no solicitation policy helps the Salvation Army achieve its holiday goals.”
Terk said Mervyn’s regrets any challenges this may have caused and that it is looking forward to continue its partnership with the Salvation Army.
"It's a good move for them, they are trying to do the right thing and we are very pleased," said Capt. Jim Sloan of the Salvation Army in Glendale.
The Army earned $90 million last year through the holiday appeal but fear the Target ban will hurt donations.
Target’s decision has spurred a backlash from the public and Christian pro-family groups.
One pro-family group, the American Family Association, launched a boycott on Target stores, while others have issued statements denouncing Target’s decision.
Bob Knight, director of the Culture and Family Institute of Concerned Women for America said in a statement Friday that Target stores should follow Mervyn’s example.
“Target should take some clues from Mervyn’s charitable vow to be committed to their communities if they want to prevent their shoppers from choosing a different location to do their Christmas shopping,” said Knight.
The National Clergy Council is hoping to discuss the Target ban with Bob Ulrich, chairman and chief executive office of the Target Corporation.
