News

Salvation Army ringers not allowed outside Fleet Farm stores

Photo:

Nov 29, 2011 at 12:03 pm

WAUSAU, Wis. (AP) - Shoppers won't find a Salvation Army red kettle outside Mills Fleet Farm stores this year. The company has decided not to allow the charity's bell ringers to collect donations outside its stores.

Co-President Stewart Mills Jr. tells WAOW-TV (http://bit.ly/tDrMBD ) the company will make a donation to the Salvation Army and has supported the charity in past years, but allowing bell ringers could open the floodgates to others who want to use the company's property.

Captain Brian Goodwill of the Wausau Salvation Army branch expects the decision to impact its bottom line since the Fleet Farm stores generated high donations last year. Some shoppers say they understand the move, and will still make an effort to give at other stores where bell ringers are collecting for the cause.

Mills Fleet Farm is based in Brainerd, Minn.