Schnucks bans solicitation outside of store

EVANSVILLE, IN (WFIE) - A local grocery chain is giving red kettle bell ringers the boot this holiday season.

A new Schnucks policy bans all non-profits from soliciting customers and that's a financial punch in the gut to groups like the Salvation Army.

Bell ringers out here in front of Schnucks stores raised $97,000.00 last holiday season, just in Vanderburgh and Warrick Counties alone.

Salvation Army Captain Scott Strissel told me that's 40% of their Christmas Red Kettle campaign total.

They say they've had a long, great relationship with the Schnucks in the community and the news was shocking.

"It's a BIG deal for us. We're concerned," says Strissel. "But we also know we live in a very generous community and we know that the community will come through for us."

The Salvation Army isn't the only group affected. The new policy goes for all donation seekers, including girl scouts.

In an email, Schnucks spokesman Paul Simon said their #1 goal is to provide the most pleasant and convenient shopping experience.

Shoppers we talked to today are giving the new rule mixed reviews.

"Very disappointed," says shopper Fran Christopher.

Store officials say the move is designed to provide a more pleasant and convenient shopping experience for Schnucks customers.  But some aren't pleased to hear the news.

"Especially with the bell ringers. It's a very short period of time,"says Christopher. "Even with the cookies also with the girl scouts or whatever they're doing. They're both for wonderful, wonderful things. I think it's very disappointing."

Not everyone feels the same way.

"I can understand why a place like Schnucks would incorporate such a policy," says shopper Jeff Long. "But at the same time, I'm sympathetic to the needs of children and youth within the community."

He says there needs to be a balance.

"If they are going to institute this policy, I hope they continue to promote other fund-raising opportunities through their corporation," says Long.

There are plans in place.  Schnucks will continue to offer all non-profit organizations an opportunity to raise funds through their 'My Schnucks Card' program.  They also say they will be exploring new and different ways to partner with community groups.

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