Giving Back Goes High Tech for The Salvation Army
Huntington Bank-sponsored online game, virtualRed Kettle and iPhone bellringer app make giving fun
SOUTHFIELD, Mich. - As part of TheSalvation Army's continued efforts to gain new supporters, three of thecharity's most unique fundraising efforts - the Online Red Kettle, the Coin Catch online game and its iPhoneapp - are back in a big way. Kettles, apps or games not your thing? In additionto the Online Red Kettle, supporters may give directly by texting ‘GOODMICH' to80888*.
That's right, the RedKettle has officially gone high-tech.
The Salvation Army'sbellringer iPhone app is a fun way to play bellringer, donate and help TheSalvation Army continue Doing the Most Good. Don't want to hold a bell? Holdyour phone instead. With different musical notes to choose from, users cancreate unique sounds, play their favorite holiday songs, or make up anon-the-spot jingle. The notes are up to you, but one thing's certain: With yourhelp, lives change for the better. Hungry families are fed. The homeless findshelter. At-risk children find hope. And disaster victims get back on theirfeet. So ring your bell. Share your hope. And help The Salvation Army continueDoing the Most Good.
"Michigan's povertyrate has climbed to 16.8 percent this year and we are seeing an increase inneed across the metro area," said Major Mark Anderson general secretary andmetro Detroit area commander for The Salvation Army Eastern Michigan Division."These programs offer a way to have fun and get your friends and familyinvolved in giving back to those less fortunate."
Likethe iPhone app, the OnlineRed Kettle is easy to use as well. Go to www.onlineredkettle.org to registerfor your own virtual kettle. Hosts may set personal fundraising goals for theirkettles and can even customize their own kettle Web pages. Hosts are encouragedto e-mail their friends, family members and co-workers to announce theirfundraising efforts and collect donations through The Salvation Army's secureWeb site. Donors can designate donations to go to The Salvation Army in theirown zip code, the kettle host's zip code, or another one of their choice.
Participants can alsolink their kettle to their Facebook page, allowing your goal, progress andOnline Red Kettle to appear on their profiles. When someone makes a donationvia Facebook, you will receive a notification.
The SalvationArmy has once again recruited local celebrities and community members to helpraise awareness of the campaign through their own Online Red Kettles as well,including Detroit Red Wings Head Coach Mike Babcock, who is asking Red Wingsfans to show their support via his personal kettle at www.onlineredkettle.org.
Coin Catch, at www.salarmycoincatch.com, is freeand easy to play, as well. The objective of the game is to catch falling coinsin a red kettle at the bottom of your screen, while attempting to avoid nailsand other unpleasant items. As the game continues, it becomes moredifficult. At the end of the game,the total amount of money caught in your red kettle will be donated to TheSalvation Army by an anonymous sponsor. Players are then given the option ofmaking a personal donation or playing again.
Toinspire individuals to play Coin Catch, Huntington Bank has signed on tosupport The Salvation Army by matching all player earnings up to $15,000.
Additional sponsorshipsof any amount are also being accepted for Coin Catch. For more information,call (248) 361-0341 or (248) 361-1872.
The Salvation Army hasbeen steadily increasing its online presence in recent years. In 2008, TheSalvation Army introduced their Online Red Kettle, 2009 brought a Facebookapplication for the Online Red Kettle platform along with Coin Catch. Withtheir constant efforts to stay current with trends, especially in technology,The Salvation Army has consistently worked to make giving back easier and morefun.
"It's importantfor people to know that the Red Kettle giving season doesn't end with Christmas- it continues through the end of January," Major Anderson said. "And theonline technology allows you to continue supporting The Salvation Army 365 daysa year."
Individuals may also give at www.salmich.org or at 877 SAL-MICH now through Jan. 31. Supporters may also give at any of themore than 400 kettle locations stationed throughout southeast Michigan fromNov. 11-Dec. 24.
Founded by William and Catherine Booth in London,England in 1865, The Salvation Army is a faith-based, non-profit organizationdedicated to serving people in need without discrimination. This pastyear, The Salvation Army of Metro Detroit was involved in providing 3,194,802million meals and 687,203 nights of shelter for the homeless. The SalvationArmy uses $.85 of every dollar raised to provide direct services to people inneed each and every day of the year. For more information about The SalvationArmy, please call 877-SAL-MICH, or visit us at www.salmich.org.
*A one‐time donation of $10 will be added to your mobile phone bill or deductedfrom your prepaid balance. Message and Data Rates May Apply. All charges arebilled by and payable to your mobile service provider. Service is available onVerizon Wireless, AT&T, Sprint, and T-Mobile. By participating you certifythat you agree to the terms and conditions, that you are 18 yrs or older, orhave parental permission, and have authorization from the account holder.Donations are collected for the benefit of The Salvation Army by the InnovativeGiving Foundation and subject to the terms found at igfn.org/t. Privacy policy: igfn.org/p. Text STOP to 80888 to stop;Text HELP to 80888 for help.