Reason for removing trailers doesn’t add up
To the Editor:
Shame on Wegmans for their decision to demand the Rescue Mission remove their donation trailers from all their parking lots (”After more than 30 years, Wegmans orders Rescue Mission to remove its donation centers,” Dec. 5, 2023).
Those trailers have always been a “win-win-win” situation for the community and those who are in need. The community was able to donate unwanted items to the Mission, thus keeping goods out of landfill; the Mission sold these items at their stores, bringing in money to supply meals to the needy; and they provided jobs for a few in our community at minimum wage.
So, how does a company that touts its love and commitment to the community explain this selfish decision, other than “an effort to establish consistency across all Wegmans locations”? It has nothing to do with the parking. Let’s face it, your lots are never that full that the trailers would be in the way. Is it that they are an eyesore? Unless you are donating something to them, does anyone cares about the little trailer way over in the very corner of your lot? Is it that you ran out of other ideas to mess with something that is so beneficial to that community?
I urge others who understand the advantageous this organization has extended to the community to contact Wegmans with their concerns.
S. Russo
North Syracuse
Decision and its timing are unfortunate
To the Editor:
Per the Post Standard article Dec. 10, 2023, Evelyn Ingram, a Wegmans spokesperson, indicates Wegmans directing the Rescue Mission to remove its donation centers is “an effort to establish consistency across all Wegmans locations.” I can only guess that Wegmans need for brand consistency had negligible concern for the Rescue Mission in collecting donations, those people whom would benefit from those donations, or the relocation of these donations centers.
I am intermittent shopper at Wegmans. It is very inviting, enticing store in its displays and layout. I had noticed that Wegmans name was on the donation trailers, which I felt showed support for the entire local community. However, I will reconsider even the above-noted level of patronage given their decision on the Rescue Mission donation sites.
I live near the James Street Wegmans. The donation site here was well-staffed. I had used it multiple times over the past 20+ years. In fact, I had wanted to make a donation at the James Street Wegmans at end of November, but to my surprise, I found the donation trailer uprooted and gone.
At a minimum, Wegmans timing is atrocious. It is a few weeks before Christmas. This is a season of giving and helping others. I know change is inevitable, but Wegmans decision seems uncharitable and unfortunate.
Theresa J. Evans
Syracuse
