Texting, virtual kettle in this year's Bell Ringing campaign
Posted: 11.26.2011 at 12:37 PM

Salvation Army looking for more than mall donors

Photo
The Salvation Army is thinking outside the box--or kettle--this year as it looks for Christmas donations.

Yes, the bell ringers are out in malls and grocery stores, but in an effort to get more donations from people who are not frequent shoppers---or who don't carry spare change--there's now a phone app:  you can make a $10 gift by texting  SYRACUSE to 80888.
In addition, you can set up an online red kettle and post it on a personal Facebook page, or email requests.  www.sasyr.org has the information.
And, for the 'traditional,' there's also a need for bell ringers (two hour shifts, you pick the location--and bring your friends!).  Signup at www.registertoring.com or 479-3668.

Linda Wright, Executive Director of the Syracuse Area Salvation Army, says they expect to provide food and toys for about 3,000 families this year (volunteers are needed here, too for both signups and Distribution Day on December 22--479-1321).
And the demand on the  'everyday' food pantry is already up over 40% over last year, another indication of the great need in the community.