More Pro-family, Conservative Groups Join Target Boycott for Banning Salvation Army
More and more pro-family and conservative groups are announcing boycotts against Target stores for banning Salvation Army bell ringers in front of their stores.
More and more pro-family and conservative groups are announcing boycotts against Target stores for banning Salvation Army bell ringers in front of their stores.
The most recent boycott announcement was made Friday by Illinois Family Institute (IFI) who will hold its first Target store protest tomorrow at the Woodfield Greatland Target store in the Chicagoland area. IFI will be joined by Republican Young Professionals, Vote Life America, and other pro-family groups.
In January, Target Corp. had announced it would no longer make an exception to its no solicitation policy to The Salvation Army which projects to lose $9 million or $10,000 per Target store as a result of the policy.
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IFI Executive Director Peter LaBarbera said his family isn’t shopping at Target this Christmas even though it’s his wife’s favorite store this time of year.
“It amazes me that Target is punishing this charitable group during Christmas—all in the name of ‘fairness.’ Isn't that just like the ACLU and the Secular Left?” he asked.
“When liberal Political Correctness gets mean and directly harms benevolent groups that serve the poor and needy, it’s time for people to stand up and say they won't take it anymore,” LaBarbera said.
While a statement from Target Corp. maintains it has revoked its exception for the Salvation Army Kettle Drive to avoid discrimination against other charities requesting to solicit in front of its stores, pro-family and Christian groups suspect the corporation caved into homosexual activist groups who have been opposing the Salvation Army’s policy against homosexuality and gay leaders. Some individuals say the Salvation Army shouldn’t receive special treatment.
LaBarbera added, "Salvation Army kettles have graced the entrances of various stores and street corners for decades. They are a wonderful holiday tradition, and a symbol of the Christmas season's emphasis on good will and compassion. Why would a corporate policy undermine the charitable work of an organization like the Salvation Army?"
Another group which protested at a Target store in Fredericksburg, Virginia, on Tuesday promised a larger boycott against the store next year unless Target changes its policies.
"We will launch an even larger boycott next year and in years following," said Rev. Rob Schenck of National Clergy Council, a group which is asking its 5000 Catholic, Evangelical, Orthodox and Protestant clergy members and 30,000 lay delegates in all 50 states to use their influence to encourage a boycott against Target stores.
"This is not about being vindictive. It's about teaching proper moral and civic responsibility to corporations that make bad public policy decisions. This isn’t personal, unless, of course, you’re talking about the personal injury Target is doing to the poor who are helped by one of America’s oldest, most reputable and most effective charities."
In late November, Don Wildmon, chairman of the over 2-million member American Family Association, sent an e-mail out to its constituents encouraging them to boycott Target.
Last year, The Salvation Army raised around $93 million through its Christmas Kettle Drive. All the donations benefit local chapter of the Army to provide Christmas meals and toys to needy families and other projects throughout the year. The holiday appeal will continue through Christmas Eve.
An online kettle is also available on the Army’s Web site, www.salvationarmyusa.org.
