In November 2015, a U.S. Marine veteran named John Harkness sparked a nationwide debate after being forced to collect donations outside a Walmart store in Medina, Ohio. For 14 years, Harkness, then 69, had faithfully raised money for the Marine Corps Toys for Tots program, a charity dedicated to providing holiday gifts for underprivileged children. However, a new store manager enforced Walmart’s strict no-solicitation policy, leading to an uproar from the community and online outrage that highlighted the veteran’s resilience and the power of public support.
Toys for Tots: A Lifelong Mission for John Harkness
For nearly eight decades, Toys for Tots has been a symbol of hope for children across America. Run by the U.S. Marine Corps, the program has distributed toys to over 291 million children in need.
Harkness, a retired Marine, dedicated himself to this cause for over a decade. Year after year, he and his wife Lynn stood inside Walmart, warmly greeting shoppers and collecting donations for the beloved charity. But in 2015, their routine changed drastically.
Walmart’s New Policy Forces Harkness Outside
When Harkness arrived at Walmart on November 28, 2015, he expected another successful day of fundraising. Instead, he was told by the store’s new manager that solicitation was not allowed inside. The couple was instructed to move their donation collection efforts outdoors—despite the cold, rainy weather and 40-degree temperatures.
“They said you have to stay outside; you can’t come in the store,” Harkness recalled. “We weren’t even allowed to stay between the two sets of doors.”
For six hours, Harkness stood beneath an overhang, his Marine uniform and donation tin visible to all.
Health Risks for Elderly Volunteers
The decision to place Harkness and his fellow volunteers outside raised concerns about their health. Many of the Toys for Tots helpers were elderly, some recovering from serious illnesses, including cancer. Lynn, the Toys for Tots Coordinator for Medina County, expressed her worry:
“Being out in bad weather could damage their health,” she explained. “It’s not just uncomfortable—it’s dangerous for some of these volunteers.”
Despite the conditions, Harkness refused to abandon his mission, demonstrating the resilience and determination that defined his military service.
The Viral Photo That Sparked Outrage
Harkness’ unwavering dedication didn’t go unnoticed. A shopper, identified as Janet Rodin, captured a photo of him standing outside in full uniform and shared it on Facebook. Her caption reflected her disbelief and anger:
“This is an outrage! They have been collecting inside since this store opened but his sacrifice and continued volunteer work in the name of our Marines is rewarded this way?”
The post went viral, quickly garnering thousands of comments and shares. Social media erupted with criticism of Walmart, with users accusing the company of disrespecting a Marine and pledging to boycott the store.
@Walmart what would happen if EVERY vet refused to shop at your store but went to Target in stead? https://t.co/M3xBdpDmFK
— Him (@bcp_mp) November 30, 2015
Online Backlash: A Double-Edged Sword
As the story spread, so did the backlash. Many social media users directed their anger at the store manager, with some even sharing their name and contact information online. Comments ranged from calls to fire the manager to more severe threats, escalating the situation to an unsettling level.
“This is disgraceful,” one user wrote. “Walmart, have you no shame?”
Another post, featuring a caption that read, “He can bleed and die but not stand inside!” fueled further outrage.
Walmart’s Official Response
Amid the growing controversy, Walmart released a statement clarifying its policies:
“Walmart’s corporate policy across our more than 4,500 stores does not allow this type of solicitation inside our stores, and we apologize for any confusion about this policy. Most importantly, we are proud to support wonderful organizations like Toys for Tots, Girl Scouts, the Salvation Army, and the Red Cross who are stationed outside our stores during the holidays.”
While the company defended its policy, it promised to investigate whether Harkness had been treated disrespectfully.
The Harkness Family’s Call for Peace
Despite the overwhelming support from the community, Harkness and his wife Lynn asked people to stop targeting the store manager.
“I don’t think that was necessary, and I think that was totally out of line,” Lynn said, urging an end to the threats. “We are working on a better relationship.”
For Harkness, the focus remained on the mission. “This is for the kids—it’s not about us,” he emphasized.
The True Spirit of Toys for Tots
The incident highlighted not only Harkness’ dedication but also the importance of Toys for Tots. The charity, founded in 1947, has brought joy to countless children during the holiday season. For volunteers like Harkness, the cause goes beyond collecting toys—it’s about bringing hope and happiness to families in need.
Harkness’ story inspired many to reflect on the spirit of giving and the sacrifices made by those who serve, both in the military and in their communities.
A Legacy of Service and Resilience
John Harkness’ commitment to Toys for Tots is a testament to the values of service, perseverance, and kindness. While the controversy may have cast a temporary shadow, it ultimately shone a light on the good work done by veterans like him.
Harkness continued to volunteer, undeterred by the incident, proving that no obstacle is too great when the mission is to help others.
Conclusion: A Story That Resonates
The story of John Harkness being kicked out of Walmart while raising money for children is a powerful reminder of the challenges and triumphs of volunteer work. It also underscores the importance of respecting those who dedicate their lives to serving others, both on the battlefield and in their communities.
In the end, this story isn’t just about a veteran standing in the cold—it’s about the warmth of human generosity and the enduring spirit of those who refuse to give up, no matter the circumstances. Share this story with your friends and family, and let’s keep the spirit of giving alive.
