Salvation Army Fires Back After Chick-fil-A Ends Partnership with the American Charity

[TomSea]

Salvation Army Fires Back After Chick-fil-A Ends Partnership with the American Charity
 By Tré Goins-Phillips
Editor

Not long after the Salvation Army bell ringers began their volunteer work this morning, Chick-fil-A announced it would no longer be partnering with the beloved and iconic American charity.

The decision from the Atlanta-based restaurant chain, whose core mission is “to glorify God,” came the same day the Salvation Army kicked off its 129th Red Kettle Campaign, an annual initiative synonymous with the holiday season in the U.S.

In fiscal year 2018, Chick-fil-A donated $115,000 to the Salvation Army. But that will be no more, according to   a statement released Monday by the quick-service restaurant. The brand plans to “deepen its giving to a smaller number of organizations,” and that no longer includes the 154-year-old Salvation Army.

More at: https://www.faithwire.com/2019/11/18/salvation-army-fires-back-after-chick-fil-a-ends-partnership-with-the-american-charity/

I don't know if this is just over deciding to give to smaller organizations or what, but there are a few articles out on this today.

https://www1.cbn.com/cbnnews/politics/2019/november/pelosi-invites-president-to-testify-in-impeachment-inquiry-trump-says-he-might-just-do-that

I don't know if it is true that they are just giving in to "liberals".... that's what these two articles make it sound like.

[PeteS in CA]

I read over the CfA statement which is linked in the OP article, https://thechickenwire.chick-fil-a.com/News/Chick-fil-A-Foundation-Announces-2020-Priorities . It makes no reference at all to The Salvation Army.

More on this:

Chick-fil-A denies capitulating to LGBT activists; Christian groups won't be excluded from donations

Amid reports that fast food chain Chick-fil-A was halting donations to Christian groups, the restaurant's foundation is maintaining they are philanthropically restructuring, not caving to political correctness in pursuit of higher profits.

Reports emerged Monday that after months of consistently negative press coverage related to their long-held views about marriage and human sexuality and donations to like-minded organizations, that the famous chicken sandwich shop was discontinuing their financial contributions to groups characterized as "anti-LGBT."

The Christian Post reached out to Chick-fil-A Monday, asking them to respond to the criticisms that they were compromising their principles in order to appease their ideological opponents.

“Beginning in 2020 the Chick-fil-A Foundation will introduce a more focused giving approach, donating to a smaller number of organizations working exclusively in the areas of hunger, homelessness and education. ...

"Our goal is to donate to the most effective organizations in the areas of education, homelessness and hunger. No organization will be excluded from future consideration – faith-based or non-faith based," the spokesperson said, noting "I also wanted to add that Chick-fil-A will not be opening on Sundays."
...
The 2018 tax form filed Friday with the IRS notes that the foundation gave the Salvation Army $115,000 last year and $1.65 million to Fellowship of Christian Athletes last year. The donations were part of the multi-year obligations that have now concluded.

It appears that someone in some branch of news media read more into CfA's statement than is there. Further, since The Salvation Army does work in "the areas of hunger, homelessness and education" it seems very possible that CfA will continue to contribute to The Salvation Army.

[Elderberry]

https://www.christianitytoday.com/news/2019/november/chick-fil-stops-christian-donations-fca-salvation-army.html

The Salvation Army brings in $4.3 billion in revenue annually and says it does not discriminate against the LGBT community in its programs, services, and hiring. Officers in the Salvation Army, who are ordained as ministers, are asked to comply with its theological teachings on sexuality.

“We serve more than 23 million individuals a year, including those in the LGBTQ+ community,” the Salvation Army stated. “In fact, we believe we are the largest provider of poverty relief to the LGBTQ+ population. When misinformation is perpetuated without fact, our ability to serve those in need, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, religion or any other factor, is at risk. We urge the public to seek the truth before rushing to ill-informed judgment and greatly appreciate those partners and donors who ensure that anyone who needs our help feels safe and comfortable to come through our doors.”

Beginning in 2020, Chick-fil-A’s charitable arm, the Chick-fil-A Foundation, will instead focus $9 million in philanthropic gifts on three initiatives: promoting education, combating youth homelessness, and reducing hunger, Chick-fil-A announced.

[Wingnut]

The Alphabet people are a militant bunch and they hurt more people than they help in their hate of christianity. 

[IsailedawayfromFR]

While I like the SA, there is something to be said about distributing finite funds to others. 

I refused to give to the United Way as it served some groups I could not agree with such as Planned Parenthood.

[Wingnut]

While I like the SA, there is something to be said about distributing finite funds to others. 

I refused to give to the United Way as it served some groups I could not agree with such as Planned Parenthood.

I refuse to give/donate to the Red Cross, Goodwill, and the Unted Way. 

There are many other local charities that target the people who need help where you live.  The SA kettle drive is worthy to fund.   

[Bigun]

I refuse to give/donate to the Red Cross, Goodwill, and the Unted Way. 

There are many other local charities that target the people who need help where you live.  The SA kettle drive is worthy to fund.

  Me to!

[truth_seeker]

SA is down to earth helpful, in the Alcohol/Addiction business. Since long before the taxpayer funded Obamacare high end present situation.

Old school SA:  Get up, make yoour bed, pray, breakfast, work, lunch, work, dinner,  12 step meetings, pray, shower, go to bed, Get up up......

Present day Obamacare:

Get up, breakfast, drug test, trip to beach lunch, trip to beach, 12 step meetings, ....

[Applewood]

Something is definitely wrong in this world if the Salvation Army is classified as a hate group.

I've told this story before:  My Dad didn't ordinarily trust any  charity,-- he said they were all crooks -- but when he served during WWII, both the Salvation Army and the Red Cross would come around with cigarettes, toiletries, socks and such.  The difference between the two charities was that the Red Cross charged the soldiers for their supplies, while the SA gave them away for free.  I also happen to know that along with these goods, the SA gave counsel, comfort and support to young GIs like Dad far from home. 

Dad always gave SA high praise for their work.  So I continue to give to the Salvation Army whenever I can in Dad's memory.  I'd like to see someone give me evidence that the Salvation Army qualifies as a hate group. 

[Smokin Joe]

I refuse to give/donate to the Red Cross, Goodwill, and the Unted Way. 

There are many other local charities that target the people who need help where you live.  The SA kettle drive is worthy to fund.

Agree with the first, and still give to the SA. Local charities are also a target, here, and a couple of veterans organizations and the USO.
Charity begins at home (by that I mean the community you live in).

[Applewood]

I expect that while the company will no longer officially give to the SA and other so-called "hate" groups,  it will still give to these charities in some way.  Maybe the donations will come from the Cathy family individually or through some charitable trust?  Anyway, I think the Cathys are smart enough to work around these LGBTQRSTUV whiners.

[thackney]

https://give.salvationarmyusa.org/give/164006/#!/donation/checkout

[Elderberry]

And I've made many a trip to their donation "Drop Off".

And I've donated a truck as well. I also have a boat I may see if they'll take as well.

[verga]

I refuse to give/donate to the Red Cross, Goodwill, and the Unted Way. 

There are many other local charities that target the people who need help where you live.  The SA kettle drive is worthy to fund.

QFT. I will not give a dime to any of those organizations

[PeteS in CA]

Something is definitely wrong in this world if the Salvation Army is classified as a hate group.
...

SPLC

[verga]

Something is definitely wrong in this world if the Salvation Army is classified as a hate group.

I've told this story before:  My Dad didn't ordinarily trust any  charity,-- he said they were all crooks -- but when he served during WWII, both the Salvation Army and the Red Cross would come around with cigarettes, toiletries, socks and such.  The difference between the two charities was that the Red Cross charged the soldiers for their supplies, while the SA gave them away for free.  I also happen to know that along with these goods, the SA gave counsel, comfort and support to young GIs like Dad far from home. 

Dad always gave SA high praise for their work.  So I continue to give to the Salvation Army whenever I can in Dad's memory.  I'd like to see someone give me evidence that the Salvation Army qualifies as a hate group.

My father in Law in WWII and Father in Korea, said the exact same thing. I can't walk by an SA kettle with out giving.

[PeteS in CA]

Something is definitely wrong in this world if the Salvation Army is classified as a hate group.

I've told this story before:  My Dad didn't ordinarily trust any  charity,-- he said they were all crooks -- but when he served during WWII, both the Salvation Army and the Red Cross would come around with cigarettes, toiletries, socks and such.  The difference between the two charities was that the Red Cross charged the soldiers for their supplies, while the SA gave them away for free.  I also happen to know that along with these goods, the SA gave counsel, comfort and support to young GIs like Dad far from home. 

Dad always gave SA high praise for their work.  So I continue to give to the Salvation Army whenever I can in Dad's memory.  I'd like to see someone give me evidence that the Salvation Army qualifies as a hate group.

Fast-forwarding to the late 70s or early 80s, a coworker who helped fight forest fires in CA told a similar story, ca. 1982. The Salvation Army gave out stuff for free while the Red Cross charged. This coworker was a vociferous atheist and socialist who could not say "Reagan" without appending an expletive.

[Jazzhead]

I was in a Chick-fil-A last Saturday in New Jersey,  and at each cashier's station was a small SA kettle for donations.    I'd like to see more restaurants partner with SA and permit patrons to donate their change.   

[dfwgator]

It's getting to the point where Companies will no longer donate to anyone, out of fear of offending somebody.

[mountaineer]

My preferred charity is Samaritan's Purse.

While the Salvation Army does much good work in some places, around here their only task seems to be begging for high-priced toys and electronic gadgets to give away to children who, from my observation, already get plenty of junk for Christmas. They seem to have abandoned the goal of reaching the world for Christ. My husband was on the board of the local SA but quit in protest because they were more focused on giving bicycles away than on sharing the gospel. Again, the SA may take a completely different approach in other regions, and I do not mean to make any broad generalizations.

[mountaineer]

 News November 19, 2019
Chick-fil-A says it has not caved to LGBTQ activists
It's all coming undone


Chick-fil-A says it is not caving to political correctness and LGBTQ activism in its decision to restructure its philanthropic contributions.  ...

According to The Christian Post, the company insisted that there were not compromising its founding Christian beliefs.

“Beginning in 2020 the Chick-fil-A Foundation will introduce a more focused giving approach, donating to a smaller number of organizations working exclusively in the areas of hunger, homelessness and education," a spokesperson told the outlet. "We have also proactively disclosed our 2018 tax filing and a preview of 2019 gifts to date on chick-fil-afoundation.org. The intent of charitable giving from the Chick-fil-A Foundation is to nourish the potential in every child."  ...  The Blaze

[musiclady]

My preferred charity is Samaritan's Purse.

While the Salvation Army does much good work in some places, around here their only task seems to be begging for high-priced toys and electronic gadgets to give away to children who, from my observation, already get plenty of junk for Christmas. They seem to have abandoned the goal of reaching the world for Christ. My husband was on the board of the local SA but quit in protest because they were more focused on giving bicycles away than on sharing the gospel. Again, the SA may take a completely different approach in other regions, and I do not mean to make any broad generalizations.

Definitely not the case here.  The Gospel is on full display all through out the SA ministries here.

It's also important to note that the vast majority of money you give to the SA goes directly to the need.  I believe it is the highest percentage of any charitable organization out there.

Samaritan's Purse is wonderful, btw.

[Smokin Joe]

Something is definitely wrong in this world if the Salvation Army is classified as a hate group.

I've told this story before:  My Dad didn't ordinarily trust any  charity,-- he said they were all crooks -- but when he served during WWII, both the Salvation Army and the Red Cross would come around with cigarettes, toiletries, socks and such.  The difference between the two charities was that the Red Cross charged the soldiers for their supplies, while the SA gave them away for free.  I also happen to know that along with these goods, the SA gave counsel, comfort and support to young GIs like Dad far from home. 

Dad always gave SA high praise for their work.  So I continue to give to the Salvation Army whenever I can in Dad's memory.  I'd like to see someone give me evidence that the Salvation Army qualifies as a hate group.

I heard similar accounts from veterans of WWII, Korea, and VIetnam.

When I was out in the rain with six others pushing the bulge out of the poly sheet and reinforcing a dike in East Grand Forks MN in 1979, the Salvation Army came by at 3 AM with hot food and coffee, gratis. Never was so happy to get some hot chow and a cup of coffee.
The Red Cross people cruised around by daylight, and before they left, one of their drivers T-boned my Dodge (driver's side) with one of their 'disaster relief vans failing to yield the Right Of Way and speeding. They didn't even want to replace my car. If I hadn't already decided to go to work at the end of that semester, the concussion I got, and the effect on my Finals, would have stopped me from going further in Grad School anyway.

The Red Cross hasn't gotten a dime from me since, but the Salvation Army has.

[Applewood]

My preferred charity is Samaritan's Purse.

While the Salvation Army does much good work in some places, around here their only task seems to be begging for high-priced toys and electronic gadgets to give away to children who, from my observation, already get plenty of junk for Christmas. They seem to have abandoned the goal of reaching the world for Christ. My husband was on the board of the local SA but quit in protest because they were more focused on giving bicycles away than on sharing the gospel. Again, the SA may take a completely different approach in other regions, and I do not mean to make any broad generalizations.

I suppose each chapter is operated differently, depending on who is in charge.  Where I live, the SA is very proactive in many ways.  For example, the SA has one ongoing program called Project Bundle Up, which provides winter outerwear and accessories for poor children and seniors.   There are programs for drug and alcohol addiction.  It feeds the hungry, particularly around major holidays.  And the organization does show up in times of war and disaster. 

The one thing that irks me is that when a disaster strikes, all I hear about is "give to the Red Cross."  Almost never hear about SA.  I don't know.  Does the Red Cross bribe the media to promote it over other charities?  I won't give to the Red Cross because I believe too many donations go to the higher-ups in the organization ('overhead") and not to the stated cause. 

[Gefn]

I never knew this about the Salvation Army. I always give about $5 to them plus my loose change to all the Bell ringing Santa Clauses.