I emailed Target complaining about their decision last year to not allow the Salvation Army during the Christmas season. I’d include the message I wrote, but it was on an online form at Target.com so I don’t have a copy. It was short (2 or 3 sentences) and polite, asking them to reconsider their policy due to the work the Salvation Army is doing, especially their work this year in hurricane relief. Here’s their response:

We notified the Salvation Army in January 2004 that we would no longer allow the seasonal bell ringers due to our no-solicitation policy which ensures a distraction-free shopping environment for all our guests. Our policy decision remains unchanged.

This holiday season, Target has teamed together with the Salvation Army to create Target/Salvation Army Wish List, an online site to provide essential items for those impacted by recent hurricanes, and other individuals and families in need across the country. From November 25, 2005 through January 25, 2006 visitors to Target.com/salvationarmy can view and purchase clothing, household items, personal products and Gift Cards to be donated to families across the country. The Salvation Army will distribute the purchased items.

Although we don’t allow the placement of kettles outside of our stores, our support of the great work that the Salvation Army does in local communities continues and we have explored innovative fundraising initiatives that benefit their work. In fact, Target was the primary underwriter of “Shelter From the Storm,” an entertainment fundraising event, which recently raised more than $30 million, with proceeds going to the Red Cross and the Salvation Army for hurricane relief.

Target provides grants to faith-based organizations, including the Salvation Army, to be used for non-religious purposes such as programs providing food and shelter. Through our Take Charge of Education program, we’ve provided millions of dollars in support to parochial education. Any tax exempt organization that meets our guidelines for giving may apply for a Target grant. Any information you’ve heard that Target doesn’t give to faith-based Christian and Jewish organizations is simply untrue.

Target supports the work of many local Salvation Army chapters across the country under our corporate grants and giving guidelines. Here are a few examples of grants provided to local Salvation Army chapters in 2005:

- Monroe, LA – Educational Services Organization

- Passaic, NJ – Salvation Army Family Enrichment (SAFE)

- Dallas, TX – Domestic Violence Prevention Program

- Phoenix, AZ – Domestic Violence Shelter

- Monterey Bay Peninsula, CA, - Building Confident Families

If you’d like to donate to the Salvation Army personally, just call 1-800-SAL-ARMY or visit their Web site at Salvationarmy.org.

Thanks for taking the time to share your questions, thoughts and comments.

Sincerely,

Jennifer Hanson

Target Executive Offices