The world's largest retailer said yesterday that it would match customers' donations up to a total of $1 million to the Salvation Army's red-kettle holiday drive. It is no coincidence that the retailer's beneficence comes on the heels of Target's decision to ban the Salvation Army from outside its 1,313 stores.

"The Salvation Army red kettles and the bell ringers are truly a holiday tradition worth keeping," said Wal-Mart spokeswoman Betsy Reithemeyer in a statement that was a subtle jab at the chain's largest competitor...

The money goes to local Salvation Army efforts to help needy families, which at the holidays usually means providing food, toys and clothing -- no doubt purchased at local discount stores like Wal-Mart. Who says charity doesn't begin, and end, at home?