Donna Hinkner runs the Recycled Treasure Ranch in the desert near Barstow, California. She takes in dogs and other animals that have been cast-off by their owners, and finds them new homes. Donna relies on the money from her yard sale of donated items, and donations from the community, to care for her animals. Here’s Donna’s dog story about her local Wal-Mart’s philanthropy: “WalMart had donated food to us for over a year not just dog food but cat food, horse feed, chicken feed?? and bird seed anything that was in broken bags.?? They also donated dented cans of food.?? They just stopped.?? No warning at all!?? We went in one day and they said no more donations.?? They told me they had a new district manager and he said to tape up the bags and sell them on the floor at a discount. This went for the dented cans also.?? I called the main office to ask what their policy was on?? dog food donations and they then in turn referred me to our local Barstow store.?? They told me they were losing money giving the food to me.?? I told them not to insult my intelligence because having worked retail myself in the past I knew they wrote off donations 100% and that they were losing money by putting the food on the floor and selling it at a discount.?? They told me WalMart did not work their donations that way .?? That donations?? were a total loss.?? I do have smaller businesses that do donate to me, they either leave money for food or bring food either way it is a blessing.???? I go through approximately $150.00 in just dog food — let alone food for any of the other animals — in one week, usually more.????It really hurt when Wal Mart just cut us off without warning!?????? I truly appreciated their help as it was greatly needed and a blessing.?? I really had to scramble to find funds to buy food as it was not in my budget and hadn’t been for over a year.?? So the money I saved in food I used for Vet bills.?? Food is the #1 Expense followed by Medical bills?? Thank God the local Vet gives me a break!?? I was really stunned in a way because WalMart’s ads on TV tell how they support their community!?? HA! Obviously only as long as it takes to reel you in.?? K Mart left because of WalMart.”
It looks like the much-touted Wal-Mart philanthropy literally is not going to the dogs. But if you want to fill the gap for what the richest retail corporation in the world can no longer afford, contact Donna Hinker at 760-253-2975. Contributions can be sent to: Recycled Treasure Ranch Animal Rescue, 24704 Agate Rd, Barstow, Ca. 92311.??
