I read that the head of the Salvation Army in Naples, Fla., Maj. Cleo Damon, refused to accept $100,000 from a gentleman because he won it in the state lottery (“Salvation Army rejects $100,000 gift,” News, Jan. 2).
This is the most unkind act that I have ever read about.
The major forced the return of the money even though it was accepted by another officer of this charity.
All this Christmas season I would have felt guilty if I didn’t put money in the kettle when I passed a worker ringing the bell.
It appears that the major’s personal feelings about gambling are hurting his cause.
I don’t feel like I should donate any more money to the Salvation Army, and many of my friends who read the article feel the same way.
But if I do, I will check with our local Salvation Army office to voice my opinion and ascertain if this is the policy in every state. If it is not, then the local office should contact the major and get this straightened out.
After all, the money was not stolen and all of life is a gamble.
Just read the stock market reports.
