Walmart Forces US Marine Veteran Out Of Store And Refuses To Apologize

#1 Medina Ohio Walmart Refuses A Marine To Collect Toys Inside Their Store For Toys For Tots Charity

A Walmart in Ohio forced a couple of Marines to stand outside in the cold and rain, because suddenly they said that policy wouldn't let them stand inside to collect Toys for Tots. For years, John Harkness, a retired Marine, has collected donations for the charity Toys for Tots by standing inside a Walmart in Medina, Ohio. However, that all changed this year.

#2 The Issue Has Become A Social Media Frenzy Against Walmart

For nearly 15 years, former active duty Marine John Harkness said he's been allowed by the Medina Walmart to stand inside and collect toys and money for Toys for Tots, but this week there was a change.

"They made us stay outside," said Harkness. "We're there to collect toys for children that need a Christmas."

#3 A Photo Of John Harkness Went Viral Online And Caused A Lot Of Discussion About The Walmart Policy

Harkness was asked to step outside of the store, forcing him into the cold. That didn't stop the vet from collection, continuing to ask for donations despite the frosty weather. However, many people have taken issue with the manager's decision, and when a photo of John standing outside was uploaded online, it quickly went viral. Now the Marine has collected more toys for the charity than in previous years.

#4 John and His Wife June Have Been Working With Toys For Tots For Many Years

John had been collecting toys for over 25 years, including while on active duty. It turns out, his wife Lynn Harkness, is a Toys for Tots coordinator in their area, and she was shocked to learn what the manager had asked her husband: ‘We have the Auxiliary and the Marines helping. They're in their 60s, a couple of Marines have had cancer, surgery and their health isn't the best. Being out in bad weather could damage their health.'

#5 The Marine Corps Reserve Has Been The Sponsor of Toys For Tots Since 1947

The Marine Corps Reserve is the main sponsor of the Toys For Tots charity, which collects toys unwrapped, then wraps them and plays Santa by giving children who would not otherwise receive a toy on Christmas. Toys for Tots began as a Los Angeles charitable effort in 1947. Major Bill Hendricks, USMCR, was inspired by his wife Diane when she tried to donate a homemade Raggedy Ann doll to a needy child but could find any organization to do so. In 1980 the charity began only accepting new toys, as the refurbishing of the used toys was becoming to be more than the volunteers could handle.

#6 Collecting Toys For the Less Fortunate Youngsters Is The Corps Mission, As Over 15 Million Children Live Below The Poverty Level In America

In 1991, the Secretary of Defense authorized the creation and affiliation with the non-profit charity foundation. In 1995, the Secretary of Defense approved Toys for Tots as an official mission of the Marine Corps Reserve. They started collecting in local department stores around 1992 and placed collection boxes throughout every community.

#7 Walmart Claims The Decision To Keep The Marine Outside Is Company Policy And Has No Plans To Change That

Walmart's corporate policy across our more than 4500 stores does not allow this type of solicitation inside our stores and we apologize for any confusion about this policy."

The spokesperson said the current store manager is new this year and that if the Marines were allowed inside in years past, that actually broke the rules. But it doesn't make Harkness or the many viewers any more satisfied. One store assistant manager told reported that it was due to religious beliefs and the recent issues going on about religious holidays.

#8 All Charities Are Barred From Collecting Or Soliciting Inside The 4500 Walmart Stores In America

While this policy has probably been there from the start, it's still an issue with many protesters of the Ohio store. However, Walmart did bring up the fact that they do not even let the Salvation Army bell ringers inside the store, or Girl Scouts selling cookies. Perhaps the policy needs to be changed.

#9 Retire marine John Harkness Is Awaiting An Apology That May Never Arrive

While John Harkness waits for an apology and is hopeful for the change, he is thankful for all the support. Strangers bringing him coffee, sandwiches, or even just offering their support. Walmart issued the following statement:

"Walmart's corporate policy across our more than 4500 stores does not allow this type of solicitation inside our stores and we apologize for any confusion about this policy. If a Marine or anyone was treated with disrespect, that is unacceptable and we are looking into this matter further to get the facts."