Salvation Army reps.

Col7777

My daughter got a knock on the door, it was two Salvation Army reps, they were after donations, they had ID's and seemed to be wearing uniforms under their coats so they appeared to be legit.
Any way they were a bit persistent and was even asking if she would do a direct debit on a weekly/monthly basis for the donations, she has very little money as it is and had to politely refuse.
They kept on then one of them said, it's cold out here we might be better if we came in, she then said it was cold and her house was getting cold with the door open so she best go in and they best move on.
One of them asked if a cup of tea or coffee was in order, then the other said, "Or drinking chocolate we don't mind," by then she was getting fed up and said she was closing the door, they eventually left.

I thought they were taking advantage as they saw a young woman on her own and they thought they could get her to donate by using the hard sell tactics, I didn't know the Salvation Army did this sort of thing.

Dave101t

this is interesting, at my mums house we had scope doing the exact same thing, and at my house it was rspca.
reps (one man, one young woman)' hi! we have had a great response in your area, everyone is so generous, can we have money on a regular plan'

NewlySingle

I certainly don't think it's something the SA would approve of or condone. I support them every year and apart from an occasional mailing and Christmas card ~ they never harass me.
Any organisation made up of people, includes all the goodness and thoughtlessness that comes with us...:o

I'm sorry your daughter hasn't seen the best side of the Salvation Army and all the good work it does.
Nic x

rugbymum

Col7777 wrote: »

My daughter got a knock on the door, it was two Salvation Army reps, they were after donations, they had ID's and seemed to be wearing uniforms under their coats so they appeared to be legit.
Any way they were a bit persistent and was even asking if she would do a direct debit on a weekly/monthly basis for the donations, she has very little money as it is and had to politely refuse.
They kept on then one of them said, it's cold out here we might be better if we came in, she then said it was cold and her house was getting cold with the door open so she best go in and they best move on.
One of them asked if a cup of tea or coffee was in order, then the other said, "Or drinking chocolate we don't mind," by then she was getting fed up and said she was closing the door, they eventually left.

I thought they were taking advantage as they saw a young woman on her own and they thought they could get her to donate by using the hard sell tactics, I didn't know the Salvation Army did this sort of thing.

The first thing your daughter should do is contact her local Citadel/centre/Corps and speak to the Officer in charge. ALL Sally Army officers would be horrified to hear about this behavoiur.
All Salvation Army Soldiers wear uniform (just means that they have made a life-long commitment to the "church" and the social work that it does), so they are not strictly speaking reps.
Ona cautionary note - uniforms are available on ebay! They will be wearing bowler-style hat (ladies) with the Army shield sewn onto the front. Gents black officer hat with red band and the same badge. Black epaulettes (sp?), red centre, with white or gold "S" on them. Black jackets with scarlet lining, with a red (six sided shape, can't remember the name) thing on the lapel, also with a white, silver or gold "S" on.
They will have a card with their Corps/Centre name on, dates of the collection and it will be signed by Shaw Clifton who is the current General.
I'm giving this info "just in case", we all know there are dodgy people around at this time of year.
I'm concerned, because they don't do door-to-door at this time of year!

aheaton46

I'd echo the comments above - the annual Salvation Army door-to-door collection takes place in September, and this is the only time they should be collecting at the doors. Envelopes are distributed in advance of this.

In the first instance, contact your local Salvation Army corps (church) - you can find details on www.salvationarmy.org.uk by entering a postcode.

You can also contact your local Divisional Headquarters (effectively the regional management) - on the same website click Where, then the region to get the details.

KittyLady

My aunt was a proud SA member for many years, then they told her she was no longer welcome. Being homosexual wasn't a quality they wanted. They may do a lot of good work but they are always turned away from my door.

rugbymum

KittyLady wrote: »

My aunt was a proud SA member for many years, then they told her she was no longer welcome. Being homosexual wasn't a quality they wanted. They may do a lot of good work but they are always turned away from my door.

I am aware of others in your Aunt's situation.
Unfortunately being a Christian organisation, this is an issue that crops up.
Officially all are welcome, but it comes down to the individual officer in charge of the Corps. Their prejudices will always hold sway.
I left cos' I was just too damn liberal!
Still have much affection for them, hang out at the coffee morning/jumble when I can and support their social work regardless.
I posted the uniform details because although the actual clothing is available the "badges" & "S" are only available from official sources!

Col7777

I've phoned a couple of numbers but just get the answer phone to leave a message, I did so but not had a call back yet.

LMCD

To echo another poster - collections are norm in september for red shield appeal and have never ever heard of them chapping doors to ask for a direct debit and my mother has been an officer for over 25 years and an 'soldier' for all her life - ALARM BELLS.

on another note...I got asked for my direct debit details on the street the other day by Candis....yeah hang on let me give you my online banking details too... I believe in donation of charity by own accord and not being sought out on the streets or at my door by ANY whether I support it or not...I know where my local Sally Ann is I can donate there in person.. its all just safety ain't it?

Col7777

If they were bogus it made me wonder how many vulnerable people they might have conned or got invited in and had a reccy on what they have in the house for a later break-in perhaps, and/or some old lady who hasn't got a bank account and gave them a £20 or more.

knightstyle

They are chuggers and their organization states in the small print that it "supports" the SA. However in the first few years very little money goes to the SA. Have a look at the SA, who do you make it out to?
The latest thing is that they ask for your card number and set up a monthly card payment and YOU cannot cancel it!
If you want to support an organization give the money direct. Last year we didn't send any Christmas cards, just handed some to people we saw, put a note on Facebook and made a donation to the SA who do a lot of good work for the homeless at Christmas.