OPINION | This article contains commentary that reflects the author's opinion.
Anti-cop liberals who make important decisions for Target have reached a new low, according to Sheriff Rick Staly in Florida.
Target, which is viewed favorably by Democrats at 71 percent, once made national news after announcing customers may select their restroom or fitting room by choosing their gender identity. This policy remains in effect.
For 10 years, police officers and children have gathered during the Christmas season for a “Shop with a Cop” event in Flagler County, FL.
This event was made possible through a partnership with Target.
Children who normally might not receive any presents on Christmas morning had an opportunity to experience a heartwarming Christmas event and receive presents.
Target corporate officers initially expressed support for the event, Sheriff Rick Staly explained.
But then in a disgusting move, an unexpected email came to the sheriff’s office on Oct. 6th, Staly says.
Target not only canceled the event, but they canceled the entire partnership.
Police officers took matters into their own hands and turned to Walmart. Walmart welcomed the police officers “with open arms,” according to the sheriff.
Polls show Walmart’s net favorability leans GOP with 69% support among Republicans.
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In his letter to the corporation, Staley communicated in no uncertain terms how his office felt about the news, and he made it public.
“We worked with your local Palm Coast store, selected a date and your employees were once again excited to participate,” Staly wrote.
“Then on October 6, 2021 my staff received an email abruptly cancelling the partnership. We were told Target ‘retired’ the ‘Heroes & Helpers’ program and was ‘introducing a new give-back program to serve our communities, anchored to our purpose of helping families discover the joy of everyday life. We’ll be expanding our impact and reach, partnering directly with local nonprofits organizations across the country to provide families in need with essentials, gifts and more.’
“When we informed Target staff that Flagler Sheriff’s Children’s Charities was a nonprofit 501(C)(3) the email was ignored and no response was received.”
The sense of betrayal ran deep. Staly accused the Target Corporation of “propaganda,” arguing the company was giving mere lip service to its values regarding their public safety partnerships, community engagement and being “a shining example of public-private partnership.”
He also accused Target of following “the pathway of political convenience” and said the company was displaying “‘Grinch’ like behavior.”
So the sheriff’s office did what many people disenchanted with Target do: Turned to Walmart, which the sheriff said welcomed them “with open arms.”
Thanks to generous donors, Flagler County Sheriff’s Office employees and Walmart, over 100 children were still able to go Christmas shopping, each one receiving $175 to shop for themselves and their families., Staly wrote.
“On December 10, 2021, we took over 125 culturally diverse children partnered with over 125 law enforcement, corrections and professional support employees shopping,” Staly wrote. “Starting with a party, train rides, face painting, crafts, games and much more they rode in patrol cars with lights flashing and sirens blaring to Walmart (ironically, we drove by Target on our way to Walmart).”
