Bah Humbug: Supermarket Shoos Away Salvation Army Bell-Ringers

UPDATE 11/19/10: Giant Food reps have been responding to petitioners urging the company to expand the Salvation Army's collection window with a new statement detailing its corporate responsibility efforts and reiterating, "Many of our customers tell us that shopping at our stores should not involve passing by group after group 'asking for money,' 'selling items' or 'requesting support for a cause.'" It's hard to believe that the customers irritated by bell-ringing outnumber or override the ones who contributed small amounts totaling more than $600,000 last year.

Tis the season for Salvation Army bell-ringers to hit street corners collecting donations for the underprivileged. The Grinch this year is Giant Food, a major grocery chain in D.C., which is limiting when and for how long charities can solicit shoppers.

Giant Food has declared that bell-ringers can stand outside its automatic doors just 12 days over the course of November and December combined. On those six days, they are welcome for just four hours. (In years past, the Salvation Army and others collected for 10 hours a day, six days a week.)

A Giant spokesman said the new restrictions were enacted, "In order to best serve our customers, and not hinder their shopping experience." What are the odds their customers are all named Ebenezer Scrooge?

I tell you what would really offend delicate sensibilities; shunning charity efforts and then being confronted with homeless and hungry families asking for cash instead.

The decreased collection time will put a major crimp in the local Salvation Army's plan to raise $1.6 million over the holidays to help 33,000 people. Last year, a full half of their $1.3 million haul came from Giant Food shoppers. Tell Giant to get into the holiday spirit by allowing charity collections!

There's hardly an area that could need the help more. The poverty rate in the District is a staggering 18.9 percent (and probably climbing). Last year saw the largest year-over-year increase in the number of poor people since 1995. If it were a state, it would be vying for the poorest in the nation. Three in 10 children who live there are poor. Residents are struggling to keep the heat on. They need help, and they don't mind the ringing.

Giant Food isn't all bad; it has kicked off its 23rd annual food drive to keep five local food banks stocked all season. But in banning bell-ringers, it has left a sour taste in the mouths of many customers.

Photo credit: Monica's Dad