Fewer businesses grant access to Salvation Army
by Sean Ruppert, Staff Writer
A South Brunswick Salvation Army leader is saying that the charity is experiencing a drop off in donations this holiday season due to a lack of bell-ringing collection locations.
According to Frank Gramieri, the Salvation Army unit coordinator for South Brunswick, the organization has had four businesses agree to have bell-ringing stations this year, when in the past the Salvation Army has been able to operate as many as six locations at a time in the township.
The charity operates its stations during the day on Saturdays and Sundays during the holiday season in front of businesses that agree to have them.
Mr. Gramieri says that Pierre’s Restaurant on Georges Road, Walgreens on Route 27, and Dunkin’ Donuts on Route 522 have given permission to the charity for the placement of bell-ringing collection stations at their businesses.
Mr. Gramieri says there will also be a bell-ringing station set up at the Stop & Shop Supermarket on Route 522 on Dec. 15 and 16.
Bell ringing stations had been set up in front of the Stop & Shop on Route 1 in previous years, however there will not be one this year. According the Stop & Shop spokesman Robert Keane, the supermarket chain does allow charities to collect in front of their stores, but requires charities to coordinate their efforts with local store managers.
The Route 1 store manager could not be reached for comment.
Mr. Gramieri says that some South Brunswick businesses have refused to have bell ringers at the locations, but he declined to name what businesses have done so.
According to Mr. Gramieri, the reduction in locations is having an effect on the amount being collected.
”Last year we received approximately $10,000 in donations,” Mr. Gramieri said. “This year we don’t even have a target amount to raise.”
Mr. Gramieri says that the general public has been very generous, but that the charity simply cannot collect as much as it has in years past simply because it has fewer places to go.
Local businesses interested in hosting a bell-ringing station can contact Mr. Gramieri at 732 274-0189.
All of the funds collected will be kept in a separate account and administered by the township Department of Social Services in conjunction with the regional Salvation Army.

