It's that time of year. Yes, besides the sales and crowds at the malls, there are the familiar Salvation Army bell ringers, clanging their bells to get people to donations. Except perhaps at Valley Mall in Hagerstown, MD, where mall vendors complained about that the bells were too loud.
According to Maj. Robert Lyle, the local commander:
"The mall suggested we put a paper clip or something lighter in there so it's not the constant clanging."
That's what the Salvation Army did, at least for the indoor bell ringers. They replaced the clappers inside the bells with large paper clips. Clink, clink, anyone?
According to the Salvation Army's website, the bell-ringing tradition began in 1891 in San Francisco. Valley Mall isn't the only grinch in the U.S.; Target has banned the Salvation Army since 2004, citing a no-solicitation policy.
Mall Marketing Director Brian Kaltenbaugh said complaints came mainly from kiosk- and cart-based businesses in concourses near the ringers. He added:
"From the merchants' standpoint, we're here to do business. So I think the decision was made from the Salvation Army's part to kind of strike a compromise so we still have the presence of the Salvation Army."
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#1 Valley Mall
On behalf of Valley Mall, we would like to clarify that the management and merchants have not made any negative statements towards the Salvation Army bell ringers. Valley Mall greatly supports the Salvation Army and welcomes their kettles and bell ringers in our mall throughout the season. We wish the Salvation Army much success in collecting donations for the less fortunate in our area.
For a complete statement from the Salvation Army regarding this matter, please visit our Web site at www.ShopTheValleyMall.com.
Thank you.
Brian Kaltenbaugh
Marketing Director
Valley Mall