BRAINERD  (AP) - A Midwestern retailer has changed its mind about a decision not to allow Salvation Army bell ringers to collect donations outside its stores.

Mills Fleet Farm said yesterday that the decision to give direct donations to local Salvation Army chapters instead of allowing bell ringers was "unfortunate."

The company said it thought the move would immediately benefit the Salvation Army in the 31 cities where Mills Fleet Farm has stores. The company now says, "We were wrong."

(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press.  All Rights Reserved.)

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