Innovative Partnership with Hardings Markets
In partnership with Harding’s Markets, The Salvation Army presents a new, revolutionary and safe way of giving that aims to help Rescue Christmas in the local area. Invented and manufactured in Grand Rapids by Mol Belting Systems in collaboration with Handstand Innovations, two Harding’s Markets in Wayland and Kalamazoo have been equipped this holiday season with Salvation Army QR-coded red kettles imprinted on patented covers called MessageWrap®, which overlay all checkout lane conveyer belts, permitting customers to make a fast and easy donation to the Red Kettle Campaign. In a process that spans as little as 30 seconds, customers waiting to check out can use their Apple or Android device to scan the code of three different denominations and contribute a secure gift. All of the funds donated will stay locally within the same zip code as the location of Harding’s and support The Salvation Army in the services it provides at Christmas and year-round, which includes those that address food insecurity. In a trial run for what has the potential to become a seasonal trend for The Salvation Army on a larger scale, this partnership with Harding’s marks the first time in the country a Red Kettle Campaign donation QR code is featured on a grocery store conveyer belt cover.
“We appreciate the ingenuity of Mol Belting Systems in the development of this additional opportunity to safely help The Salvation Army help others. We are grateful to them and Harding’s Markets for piloting this project on our behalf,” said Major Glen Caddy, Divisional Commander for The Salvation Army of Western Michigan and Northern Indiana.
“With the need greater than ever, the Harding’s team is happy to be partnering with The Salvation Army Red Kettle Campaign. New contactless ways of giving are featured at our West Main Marketplace and Wayland Harding’s locations,” said Mike VanderLind of Harding’s Markets.
Check out coverage of the opening from WZZM below!