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Banks in Tampa Bay Area Decline to Participate in Toys for Tots

Banks in Tampa Bay Decline to Participate in Toys for Tots

For many Blaze readers, the United States Marine Corps’ honorable efforts to collect donated toys for less-fortunate children probably needs no introduction.

However, just in case some are not familiar with the famous Toys For Tots program, here is a quick description found on its website:

The mission of the U. S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program is to collect new, unwrapped toys during October, November and December each year, and distribute those toys as Christmas gifts to needy children in the community in which the campaign is conducted . . .

The primary goal of Toys for Tots is to deliver, through a new toy at Christmas, a message of hope to less fortunate youngsters that will assist them in becoming responsible, productive, patriotic citizens . . . to play an active role in the development of one of our nation’s most valuable resources – our children; to unite all members of local communities in a common cause for three months each year during the annual toy collection and distribution campaign; and to contribute to better communities in the future . . .

Sounds like a wonderful program, right? Well, apparently, some Florida banks didn’t think those goals were lofty enough.

Wells Fargo and TD banks across the Tampa Bay area have rejected the program’s collection boxes.

“The boxes were delivered per usual. We just based it off last year per their need. As soon as the boxes were delivered, we were told unfortunately they needed to be removed or weren’t even placed in the lobby to begin with,” said Terese Kerrigan of Toys for Tots West Pasco to Fox Tamp Bay.

As Fox points out, just one donation box can hold up to $300 worth of toys and can be refilled at least 4 times during the weeks leading up to Christmas. Therefore, just one rejected box equals a loss of $1,200 worth of toys that could have gone to less-fortunate children.

“I’m amazed at their insensitivity,” said said West Pasco Toys for Tots coordinator John Durkin, a Marine Corps colonel in a recent Tampa Bay Online article.

Wells Fargo spokeswoman Kathy Harrison told Fox that the bank has a policy prohibiting such activity in its lobbies.

“We do have a nonsolicitation policy that’s been in effect for a couple years,” she said.

Wells Fargo also says that it is helping out communities by giving more than $11 million to donations — which, many would argue, is really nothing compared to the $25 billion communities across the nation gave them in TARP funds. They claim that rejecting the boxes was “a choice made out of respect to their customers.”

Because apparently some customers were offended by the Toys For Tots program?

Between the Tea Party being upset over the TARP bailouts and Occupy Wall St.’s incoherent and sometimes-violent anti-bank stance, some of these banks might want to start thinking about improving their image. And rejecting a Marine Corps-sponsored toy drive for needy children is an awful place to start.

Comments (195)

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  • Rosanne Martin
    Posted on December 1, 2011 at 7:52pm

    What the hell is wrong with these people? Not letting Toys for Tots in to there work place? Not even the workers did anything? I help with Toys for Tots with alot of good Marines, not only did these guys work on getting these toys they also found out who needed them. And not just toys, but a food basket went out to each house that recieced the toys. For a happier Christmas. And now the need is so great, and this is how Florida responds. Yea not all Florida, but lets just see how the rest of Florida reponds to the needs and the needs.

    Report Post »  
    • Kitty Mama
      Posted on December 2, 2011 at 1:30pm

      I don’t know why it is being done in Florida, I do know at one time in my town Toys for Tots was done in a local bank. What happened – those supposedly in need abused the program. Mom’s came in demanding everything including stuff for their kids early as they would be gone on a trip. Maybe they are having the same experience in Florida.

      Report Post »  
    • tree65
      Posted on December 2, 2011 at 1:38pm

      Don’t condone Florida, at large. This is just a couple banks in a chosen are playing the “PC” game. It’s probably a couple regional supervisors who hate God and Christmas.

      Report Post » tree65  
    • old white guy
      Posted on December 2, 2011 at 2:36pm

      kiity, as someone who works with the s/a, i will say you will always get some idiot who wants more or think you have shafted them. sometimes it makes you wish you hadn’t even tried to help anyone. a couple of hours from now i will go and count money from the kettles to help the same sort of person. ungrateful welfare people will always exist. we have to help those who need it.

      Report Post »  
    • KnuckleDragginSam
      Posted on December 2, 2011 at 2:39pm

      Just another Un-American Corporation getting big breaks from our governement. Only the costumers have the ability to change this re-dick-ulous policy!

      Report Post »  
    • @leftfighter
      Posted on December 2, 2011 at 3:39pm

      A a Marine, this ****** me off.

      As a former Wells Fargo employee, I can tell you that we never had this rule in my branch when I worked for them. We had a restaurant just across the parking lot from where I worked and we had their promo cards in our lobby.

      This is total crap.

      Report Post » @leftfighter  
    • jacques.daspy
      Posted on December 2, 2011 at 6:47pm

      The people of Tampa have a means and method to express unhappiness with the Wells-Fargo and any other bank the is anti USMC or anti-Christmas with their feet and their money. It’s not actually that difficult. When the bank that I had been affiliated with for thirty five years, I simply walked into the bank with my passbooks and checkbooks and said “close them out,” I want to deal with a local bank. The process didn’t take fifteen minutes and I enjoyed all fifteen of them.

      Report Post »  
  • Karen Wyp
    Posted on December 1, 2011 at 7:52pm

    Here is the contact information: Wells Fargo, 420 Montgomery Street, San Francisco, CA 94106, Phone number 866-878-5865
    Mr. John G. Stumpf
    Chairman
    Mr. Mark C. Oman
    Sr. Exec. VP
    It would probably be useful to call them personally or send actual letters.

    Report Post »  
    • Zcat
      Posted on December 1, 2011 at 8:03pm

      Thank you for this information!

      Report Post »  
    • charleyrocks
      Posted on December 1, 2011 at 8:35pm

      hmm wells fargo, didn’t they get the most money from a huge bail out by the government? And they say they are giving millions to charity? Does not make any sense to me, if they are really in trouble and can’t get their house in order why are they giving away so much money???

      Report Post » charleyrocks  
    • mils
      Posted on December 1, 2011 at 8:36pm

      thanks…and keep those letters classy!!!

      next..they’ll refuse to give you the money you have in their bank out of respect for your personal life…

      no email ?

      Report Post »  
    • The-Monk
      Posted on December 1, 2011 at 9:07pm

      I’m glad I closed my bank account with them last year. If I hadn’t, I would now.

      Report Post » The-Monk  
    • jcbisme
      Posted on December 1, 2011 at 9:37pm

      And this confirms my choice to stay with a little local bank that needs the local community to survive. I quit the big banks several years ago,( 10 + years,) and know I have no reason to consider returning. Thank you Wells Fargo for once again confirming you are just greedy machine. Nothing human about ya. As far as their concern about offending customers.Just another case of a few setting the standards for the many. This is really starting to tick me off. People need to pray about this. Those who are offended by this should make it a point to tell their bank managers. Even if they are not a WF customer. I want my bank manager to know I don’t agree with this practice. Merry Christmas Ya’ll !!!!

      Report Post »  
    • Pawsupday
      Posted on December 1, 2011 at 9:58pm

      Thanks…. Very nice lady but I did let her know that this was not a very good policy. And I can not even thing that the Marines who give their lives for (US)A and what to give MORE to (US)A children that….they would not support this. SAD!!!!

      Report Post » Pawsupday  
    • Rhody Rogue
      Posted on December 1, 2011 at 11:05pm

      Woderful how the Minority wins out over the Majority.

      Report Post » Rhody Rogue  
    • RepubliCorp
      Posted on December 1, 2011 at 11:36pm

      I live just outside of Tampa and I just peed in their ATM……….. (kidding)

      Report Post » RepubliCorp  
    • banjarmon
      Posted on December 2, 2011 at 12:49am

      Scrooge lives at Wells Fargo!!! I hope Tiny TIM will make him see the light of CHRISTMAS!!!

      Report Post » banjarmon  
    • jzs
      Posted on December 2, 2011 at 1:00am

      Banks are in the business of making money, not helping the poor. So what, are you going to force them to help the poor now? You’re suddenly taking the side of banks and saying they are the bad guys? Why don’t you go join OWS?

      Having to deal with these boxes cost banks money, even if it is just a little to deal with the hassle. It doesn’t help big depositors make money, and doesn’t help them make money.

      Maybe you expect banks to be altruistic at the expense of profits? What are you, like some kind of commie or something?

      jzs  
    • orionreplay6607
      Posted on December 2, 2011 at 4:59am

      If the boxes were being dropped off as they have been every year, but this year were banned because of a “no solicitation policy” (that has been in effect for many years)… what happened to all those other drop off years?

      One doesn’t have to connect many dots to come to the conclusion that a small contingent of customers expressed dislike to the boxes placed by young Marines. They complain and because we just don’t want to offend a single soul anymore, the boxes are removed or denied. I wonder if it was Toys For Tots, sponsored by your local LGBT organization, how about then?

      And oh by the way, “no solicitation policies” I have written or been involved with, were generally aimed at preventing either employees from bothering other employees or non-employees from gathering on premises to bother the employees, all to prevent frustration at work. A single box for toys is hardly a solicitation of employees nor is very intrusive on the daily inner workings of the organization.

      Report Post » orionreplay6607  
    • chazman
      Posted on December 2, 2011 at 6:57am

      I smell the Obama administration all over this one …

      Report Post »  
    • THE COMING
      Posted on December 2, 2011 at 9:56am

      Thanks for the phone number. I own a fairly large construction firm, and I just informed the company’s vice-president that I would be withdrawing all of our assets, both personal and corporate.

      Report Post »  
    • Mtroom
      Posted on December 2, 2011 at 10:04am

      @jzs…wow…You really got a good spin on that one…This isn’t about Wells Fargo helping the poor…It’s about the Marines helping the poor..The bank does nothing except allow a space for the box, which they have for many years…The core of the story is shock that Fargo stopped, and claims it‘s because of a policy that’s been there for years..But I do have a problem with this story.. “just one rejected box equals a loss of $1,200 worth of toys that could have gone to less-fortunate children.” This isn’t a loss…It is a short…They will be short $1,200 worth of toys…Don’t try to spin it like they try with taxes…

      Report Post » Mtroom  
    • Leader1776
      Posted on December 2, 2011 at 11:25am

      @JZS
      As usual your rant is incoherent.

      Report Post » Leader1776  
    • Jim in Houston
      Posted on December 2, 2011 at 12:08pm

      jzs: You must be terminally stupid. It doesn’t cost that bank a damned thing except a little space and some compassion jackass.

      Report Post »  
    • TJinNJ
      Posted on December 2, 2011 at 12:50pm

      In a word – Tampastan
      I wonder if those people who objected are from the Muslim Brotherhood linked CAIR.

      Report Post »  
    • Chemiker
      Posted on December 2, 2011 at 1:31pm

      Wells should fire the idiot who came up with this plan. I can see the lawyers at Wells warning about “inappropriate solicitaion.” Humbug! I will check with my Wells branch today to see if they are following this plan. Wells customers should complain, as appropriate.

      Report Post »  
    • tree65
      Posted on December 2, 2011 at 1:39pm

      Good call, Karyn! Awesome! Hold the leadership accountable.

      Report Post » tree65  
    • texasfarmer
      Posted on December 2, 2011 at 1:49pm

      @JZS
      You get the dope slap of the day. Now be a good boy and take your meds.

      Report Post » texasfarmer  
    • jacques.daspy
      Posted on December 2, 2011 at 6:50pm

      The USMC ought to approach to advertise the fact that Toys of Tots drop boxes are explicitly not available at Wells Fargo.

      Report Post »  
  • lynda1276
    Posted on December 1, 2011 at 7:40pm

    I’m in the Tampa Bay area…luckily i am with Sun Trust. Shame on you Wells Fargo!

    Report Post »  
    • thepatriotdave
      Posted on December 1, 2011 at 7:57pm

      Lynda,
      I’m in North Carolina. We just had our Wachovia Bank taken over by Wells Fargo, this is where I have been banking for at least the last 10 years. Fortunately there is a Sun Trust bank right next door to the Wells Fargo bank and will be paying them a visit tomorrow to transfer my accounts.
      I understand that Banks have the right to do stupid things, but we customers also have rights. The Toys for Tots program is a wonderful program and I support it every year by buying hundreds of dollars of Toys and I try to buy stuff that don’t require batteries so the kids can play without fear of running out of juice. To hell with Wells Fargo!

      Report Post » thepatriotdave  
    • JLGunner
      Posted on December 2, 2011 at 8:48am

      Yes, Wells fargo took over Wachovia. I suggest to my fellow residents of the Tampa / St Pete areas, Joint Suncoast Federal Credit Union. I’m very satisfied with the customer service.

      Report Post » JLGunner  
    • amagaux
      Posted on December 2, 2011 at 11:53am

      I live in Tampa Bay too and shame on TD Bank.

      Report Post »  
    • bdwatcher
      Posted on December 2, 2011 at 10:39pm

      Same here, in the Tampa Bay area and deal with Suntrust.

      Report Post » bdwatcher  
  • semihardrock
    Posted on December 1, 2011 at 7:37pm

    Wells Fargo was PROBABLY just afraid that Employees hired by the Bank would STEAL the toys for their own children and relatives. It runs in the blood stream and is an epidemic in that industry! I heard last year….They (Wells Fargo) were giving out the toys from the box as gifts for opening up a checking account!

    Report Post » semihardrock  
  • nmontague
    Posted on December 1, 2011 at 7:36pm

    Seems poor taste to not allow the collection bins there, but honestly, it’s their choice. If they don’t want to participate, they don’t have to.

    There are still plenty of places to donate.

    Report Post »  
  • PPMStudios
    Posted on December 1, 2011 at 7:34pm

    As a Military retiree, I’ll add my two cents.

    It’s a free country. If clients and customers are unhappy about the banks lack of support for this worthwhile Toys-For-Tots program, then I recommend they move their money to another bank. No muss, no fuss…..

    Nothing like that to bring these ignorant bankers around…..

    Report Post » PPMStudios  
  • larry25427
    Posted on December 1, 2011 at 7:33pm

    If you have your money at these places, now is a good time to change to something other than “Scrooge Savings and Loan”. As for their customers being offended, I hope Santa brings them a bag of coal.

    Report Post »  
    • brickmoon
      Posted on December 1, 2011 at 8:05pm

      Better yet, a bag of defective Solyndra solar cells. Coal is useful.

      Report Post » brickmoon  
    • Wilsonpd
      Posted on December 2, 2011 at 2:00pm

      @Brickmoon –

      ROFL! good one. I just filled my heating oil tank… I’d be very pleased with a bag of coal right about Christmas time…..

      Report Post » Wilsonpd  
  • tsnorquist
    Posted on December 1, 2011 at 7:32pm

    How does $300 x 4 = $12000…. just curious. Must be that “Bank Math”.

    Report Post »  
  • USMC_Dad
    Posted on December 1, 2011 at 7:32pm

    I’m in Clearwater, FL. Were this SunTrust, they would have lost a customer (23 years).

    USMC_Dad

    Report Post »  
    • lodgerat
      Posted on December 2, 2011 at 12:18am

      The U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program is now in its 64th year. Toys for Tots began in 1947, when Major William L. (Bill) Hendricks, USMCR and a handful of Marine Reservists in Los Angeles collected and distributed 5,000 toys to needy children on Christmas eve. The idea came from Bill’s wife. During the fall of 1947, Diane Hendricks handcrafted a Raggedy Ann doll and asked Bill to deliver the doll to an organization that would give it to a needy child at Christmas. When Bill determined that no organization existed, Diane told him he should start one. He did. As a result, Toys for Tots was born.

      Report Post » lodgerat  
  • jstoup
    Posted on December 1, 2011 at 7:32pm

    “As Fox points out, just one donation box can hold up to $300 worth of toys and can be refilled at least 4 times during the weeks leading up to Christmas. Therefore, just one rejected box equals a loss of $12,000 worth of toys that could have gone to less-fortunate children.”

    I went to public school, but I am pretty sure that $300 x 4 is $1,200 dollars. Just sayin’…

    Report Post »  
    • quicker
      Posted on December 2, 2011 at 8:45am

      Reread the story ,it does say 1200.00 just saying you should drink your coffee to wake up.

      Report Post » quicker  
  • abbygirl1994
    Posted on December 1, 2011 at 7:30pm

    Shame on you Tampa area banks… The Scrooge system has begun.. of course unless the taxpayers is bailing out their arses… Shame shame shame!

    Report Post » abbygirl1994  
  • topperj
    Posted on December 1, 2011 at 7:30pm

    Probably a decision made by one moron. It will be changed as per customer will.

    Report Post »  
    • PeachyinGA
      Posted on December 1, 2011 at 7:32pm

      Bet you’re right. They’ll be walking this back next week, but still disgraceful that this even came about. Thank you Marines for your hard work for the children.

      Report Post » PeachyinGA  
  • PaBowHunter
    Posted on December 1, 2011 at 7:29pm

    Disgusting.

    Report Post »  
  • Papa
    Posted on December 1, 2011 at 7:29pm

    Same bank that pulled funding for Boy Scouts, when BSA decided that having homosexual men in charge of young boys on overnight camp outs in the woods just might be a bad idea. That’s when I pulled my funds out of the bank and told them why.

    Report Post »  
    • Skybottle1
      Posted on December 1, 2011 at 7:45pm

      Great for you, more people should do the same. These a__h___ bankers should be stripped of their idot policies and be let to go out of business. I spent many years heavily infolved in Toys for Tots and saw so many great and heartwarming benefits of the program that is rewarding.I never ran across one person who objected to the program. This “political correct” is killing this country. We need to get our country back.

      Report Post »  
  • KevINtampa
    Posted on December 1, 2011 at 7:22pm

    Sigh, cmon Tampa Bay we’re better than this… Really we are. I really hope this stupid decision didn’t originate here and the folks working the local branches reconsider this decision. This is just shameful.

    Report Post »  
  • Dug2Dark
    Posted on December 1, 2011 at 7:21pm

    No Toys For Tots. They seemed to like Bailout For Banks OK.

    Report Post » Dug2Dark  
    • PeachyinGA
      Posted on December 1, 2011 at 7:30pm

      Can’t remember for sure, but wasn’t Wells Fargo one of the banks that at first refused TARP money – don’t know if they were later forced into it. THAT BEING SAID – I still can’t give them a pass for this nonsense. What next, a repeat of rejecting Salvation Army outside of Target again???

      Report Post » PeachyinGA  
  • Unstable Phenomenon
    Posted on December 1, 2011 at 7:21pm

    ZCAT…I‘m with you great post lets drop some off at princess Pelosi’s house as well.

    Report Post » Unstable Phenomenon  
  • mike_trivisonno
    Posted on December 1, 2011 at 7:20pm

    Most likely some sort of Muslim inspired nagging resulted in official company policy.

    Fitna.

    Report Post » mike_trivisonno  
  • Zcat
    Posted on December 1, 2011 at 7:19pm

    I do agree…thats pretty bad!

    Report Post »  
  • Zcat
    Posted on December 1, 2011 at 7:18pm

    Go set up a few boxes at Obama’s, Michael Moores, Alec Baldwins, Roseanne Barrs, of the world!

    Report Post »  
  • UBETHECHANGE
    Posted on December 1, 2011 at 7:17pm

    I got my Toys for Tots flier via USPS and on the flier are sponsors, one of them was the ALF-CIO. I will not partake in anything sponsored by Unions or Union affiliated.

    Report Post »  
  • teebubba
    Posted on December 1, 2011 at 7:15pm

    “Ohoa, the Wells Fargo Wagon is a comin….ohoa the Wells Fargo Wagon is a comin….“ ”F….em!”

    Report Post » teebubba  
  • Grasshopper42
    Posted on December 1, 2011 at 7:13pm

    Ba$tard$ . . .

    Report Post » Grasshopper42  
  • phillipwgirard
    Posted on December 1, 2011 at 7:12pm

    That’s terrible!

    Report Post » phillipwgirard  
  • DaveOregon
    Posted on December 1, 2011 at 7:09pm

    Any bank has the right to refuse placement of a donation. Frankly, I can understand the position because you get into which ones you allow and those you don‘t and who get’s pissed and sues for discrimination because you let one and not the other. That said – WFB and TD could simply have provided a gift donation to Toys for Tots and the issue would be mute. And – having watched some of the viral videos on BS actions in Denneys, on the subway, in department stores, etc by black/hispanic women and teenage “mobs” – bank is probably correct in not having $300-$1000 worth of new toys and gifts jsut sitting in the lobby! Even Salvation Army kettles get robbed in broad daylight.

    Report Post »  
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