There's a New Way to Give to Our Red Kettles!
There’s a new way to donate to The Salvation Army’s annual Red Kettle Campaign. Donors can now contribute with the tap of their smartphone!
After a test in select markets last year, The Salvation Army is putting near field communication, or “NFC” stickers on all of the iconic red kettles nationwide. The stickers contain microchips that allow users to make a donation via Apple Pay or Google Pay as they tap their phone against the tag. Donors will be directed to a custom form where they can make a gift of their choice.
The technology is compatible with iPhone X and iPhone 11 models, and most Android phones. A QRC code will be available to scan on earlier model phones. Donations will go to The Salvation Army corps community center closest to the donor’s billing zip code.
“The goal is to give supporters who are not carrying cash the ability to quickly donate to The Salvation Army as they’re walking by a red kettle,” said Scott Justvig, executive director of development and communications for The Salvation Army Metropolitan Division. “We hope this new technology will make it easier than ever to join The Salvation Army’s Fight for Good.”
The Red Kettle Campaign kicks off on Friday, November 8, with kettles arriving at all Jewel-Osco locations and other select locations. The kettles will be fully deployed on Black Friday. The Christmas campaign is integral to the mission of The Salvation Army Metropolitan Division. Seventy percent of the division’s donations are received during the Christmas season.
People will still have the opportunity to donate spare change and cash at all of the approximately 1,000 Red Kettle locations in the division, spanning from Rockford to Merrillville, Indiana.