Fleet Farm declines then welcomes bell ringers

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Mills Fleet Farm changed its mind about not allowing Salvation Army bell ringers to raise funds on company properties. The company told Wausau TV station WAOW early this week it would not allow the traditional Red Kettles outside its doors but would instead make donations on the company’s behalf.

The company’s reasoning was that the local donations would be more beneficial for the Salvation Army than the bell ringing. Also, co-president Stewart Mills, Jr., said the home-improvement chain has supported the Salvation Army in the past but said allowing the bell-ringers could pave the way for others who want to use Fleet Farm's property for fundraising.

Wausau Salvation Army captain Brian Goodwill said the company's decision wouldn’t help, as Fleet Farm kettles generated large donations last year. Some shoppers said they understood and would try to give at other Red Kettle locations.

Fleet Farm announced Nov. 29 that it decided to scrap its plan to give donations to local chapters of the Salvation Army in the 31 cities where the company has stores and to continue welcoming the Red Kettle bell ringers to raise funds the traditional way.

The Minnesota-based chain said the decision had been unfortunate and “wrong.” Fleet Farm has stores in Iowa, Minnesota, North Dakota and Wisconsin.

Tags: wisconsin, business, money