Salvation Army Bell-ringer, Other Solicitors Win Reprieve At Pittsburgh Airport
Aug. 27--FINDLAY TWP. -- Ring on, Marilyn Darnley.
The work of the only year-round Salvation Army bell-ringer in the region was in jeopardy from a new solicitation policy at Pittsburgh International Airport that would have ended her 16-year, five-days-a-week job.
But the airport this week put on hold plans to end solicitation by nonprofits like the Salvation Army.
The solicitation policy that was to be put into place Sept. 1 was in line with policies at other airports, said Jim Gill, acting executive director and president of the Allegheny County Airport Authority.
It was intended to address changes being made at the airport due to construction and to respond to concerns about solicitation of those who use the airport, Gill said.
But when it was made public, it created a torrent of comments, including some from people who have grown fond of Darnley, and it also created concerns for the upcoming Salvation Army Red Kettle Drive.
Between $40,000 and $50,000 is collected each year in Darnley's kettle, said Maj. Mark Mackneer, general secretary for the Western Pennsylvania Division of the Salvation Army.
"We're pleased with the decision," Mackneer said of the airport authority's move to halt the ban for now. "It's great not only for the Salvation Army, but for all other nonprofits. We're privileged to be able to solicit there.
"We're their guest and we're grateful for that," he said.
Ending Darnley's run at the airport would have a "huge" impact on collections, Mackneer said. It also would effectively end her career with the Salvation Army, he said.
"It's definitely a relief for her; this is her only employment," Mackneer said.
State Sen. Matt Smith, D-37, Mount Lebanon, was pleased with the airport's decision to put the policy on hold.
Smith serves on the airport authority, and he said waiting to put a policy in place is important to allow the airport time "to chart out a course that everyone can live with."
Smith said he was sure airport officials and nonprofits like the Salvation Army can get together to come up with a policy that helps everyone.
Delaying any move also ensures the collections don't disrupt this year's kettle drive, he said.
Darnley couldn't be reached for comment about the decision, but she previously told The Times she was hoping airport officials would have a change of heart.
"I hope and pray that a miracle happens," Darnley said.
Copyright 2014 - Beaver County Times, Pa.