The
Salvation Army Cyber Kettle
This Christmas Season, give online to help
the needy in our local communities.
Shopping during the Christmas Season is not complete without hearing the bells
of Salvation Army volunteers calling us to aid the needy in our communities. As
we search for the perfect gifts for family and friends, donating at Salvation
Army kettles is a tradition that can make all the difference for our less
fortunate neighbors.
If you are looking for unique gifts and great local stores on
InWestmoreland this holiday season, please stop by the Salvation Army's Cyber
Kettle, the latest and easiest online method of offering your support for the
Salvation Army's great work. Just go to the Salvation Army's website and look
for the Cyber Kettle on the Home Page (www.salvationarmy-wpa.org).
You'll be asked to fill out a simple form, including your credit card number and
donation amount. Online security by TrustWise in association with VeriSign makes
sure your credit card information is safe and can be used only for your intended
donation.
A press release from the Salvation Army tells the story of the Cyber
Kettle and its origin:
"Celebrating more than a century of fundraising through the familiar
red kettle, The Salvation Army's Western Pennsylvania Division is introducing a
newer, more convenient way to support area needy families. "Cyber Kettle" is the
organization's latest offering to the giving public.
"This fundraising tool is not designed to compete with the
traditional Christmas kettles," said Lt. Colonel Joseph DeMichael, The Salvation
Army's Western Pennsylvania Divisional Commander. "It was designed to supplement
our organization's 112 year old kettle campaign. Cyber Kettle allows us to reach
a younger more computer acclimated population on their terms."
The Salvation Army's 28-county Western Pennsylvania Division has an
operating budget of more than 23 million dollars. Although the Christmas
Campaign occurs during the holidays, funds raised must last well into the New
Year. Kettles represent an average of 10% of total dollars raised.
"With the downturn in the local economy," said DeMichael, "the need
has grown while the funding streams have declined. Every year, we face
additional challenges with acquiring kettle sites and volunteers. Online giving
allows us to raise needed dollars with very little overhead."
Donors may access Cyber Kettle through The Salvation Army's website
at
www.salvationarmy-wpa.org Dollars raised will stay within the
community of the donor, unless it is specified to go to a specific location or
program. Although Cyber Kettle can operate with minimal staffing, volunteers and
kettle locations are still needed. Families, corporations, churches and civic
groups can adopt and staff a kettle at their convenience. To learn about how to
support the Christmas Campaign, more information is listed on the website or
call The Salvation Army in your community.
The Salvation Army was founded in London, England in 1865. Both a
church and a social service organization, The Salvation Army is located in 109
countries worldwide.
The Salvation Army in Western Pennsylvania serves 28 counties in
Western Pennsylvania with programs aimed to meet the physical, emotional, and
spiritual needs of those hurting most.
The Salvation Army, an
international movement, is an evangelical part of the universal Christian
Church.
For more information about the
Salvation Army's Cyber Kettle,
visit the Salvation Army's website at
www.salvationarmy-wpa.org.