Is this boycott "on Target?"

WND has a story (dated November 18,2005) regarding a Thanksgiving weekend boycott on Minneapolis-based Target stores due to their continued refusal to allow Salvation Army bell ringers in front of their stores:

A traditional-values organization is urging consumers to stay away from Target stores on Thanksgiving weekend, a heavy shopping period, as it continues to lead a boycott of the retailer.

The American Family Association is asking supporters not to shop at Target due to its continuing ban on Salvation Army bell ringers outside its stores and its shunning of the phrase "Merry Christmas" in-store promotions and advertising.

And from here (dated October 28, 2005)

:"Despite increased need caused by the hurricanes Katrina and Rita, Target continues to bar the Salvation Army," said American Family Association founder Donald E. Wildmon in an e-mail to supporters.

But at the same time, From Target's web site dated November 14:

Target and The Salvation Army Announce Partnership

-- Online Wish List Helps Hurricane Survivors and Others in Need --

MINNEAPOLIS, Nov. 14 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Warm bedding. Socks for little feet. A wished-for baby doll or basketball. Because simple gifts can mean so much, Target and The Salvation Army today announced their partnership for The Target/Salvation Army Wish List, an online site to provide essential items for those impacted by recent hurricanes, and other individuals and families in need across the country.

From November 25, 2005 through January 25, 2006 visitors to Target.com/salvationarmy can view and purchase clothing, household items, personal products and Gift Cards to be donated to families across the country. The Salvation Army will distribute the purchased items. In addition, guests can directly connect to the The Salvation Army's website to make a financial donation.

Looking at the timelines, it would appear that this was a move on Target's part to deflect criticism that it is the company's policy that it would not give aid to religious organizations. However, at the same time it says nothing on the site regarding allowing Salvation Army bellringers back on its premises. While the company may now be giving to the national organization, local Salvation Army efforts will no doubt still wind up on the short end of the stick.

It should be noted that I recognize that Target is an independent business, and that the powers that be that reside in Target are free to make whatever business decisions that they may deem fit or necessary. Target stores, however, make it a practice to market themselves as benefactors to local communities. By turning away Salvation Army bellringers (whose contributions largely benefit local efforts), it would appear that Target is straying from one of its stated missions.

***UPDATE***

I had an interview with a local Salvation Army Sergeant Major here. It seems that this Target, Inc. boycott of Salvation Army Bell Ringers is hurting the Salvation Army more than I thought.