Valentine's gifts in Ohio

Eight activists from Denison University and Ohio State gave Valentine's Day proposals to J-Crew, Sears and JC Penny at the Polaris Fashion Place in Columbus.

We delivered giant cards and mini teddy bears to the managers of each store in hopes for them to return the favor with changes in their company's catalog paper policies. We suggested that they match if not beat the promises Victoria's Secret made last December.

J-Crew gave us the greatest difficulty as Betsy - who was prepped up, popped collar and all - made us delete one of the pictures we took and said that we were not allowed to use her or J-Crew's name in anything we publish. Too bad for her that we have her name here and a picture she didn't see us take!

The outcome at Sears was a little more optimistic - the manager there seemed very interested in going recycled and promised to contact the next highest in command about the issue.

As for JC Penny, we got a promise that our card would be placed in their "special room."

All in all, the action went well. A good beginning in urging the catalog industry to step up the plate.