WAUSAU, Wis (WSAU-Wheeler News) The Salvation Army has re-instated a man's bell-ringing privileges in Wausau, after he raised suspicions by giving Beanie Babies to school kids.
Police said the man was dressed as Santa Claus on Monday. He was on his way home from helping raise money for the Salvation Army's Red Kettles when he stopped at Franklin Elementary School in Wausau and gave kids Beanie Babies. The toys were returned, and the Salvation Army said the man could no longer ring bells for the organization.
Yesterday Salvation Army Lieutenant Melinda Tripp told Wausau's WAOW TV that she believed the man did not mean any harm. She said bell-ringers can hand out items, but only those approved by the Salvation Army -- and Beanie Babies are not on the list.