We are in the golden age of social media. Websites, widgets, and wordpress provide interactive and informative platforms for everything from learning about China to learning about our friends and family. Our eyes widen at the potential as we see our online communities collide and grow, and more information becomes accessible. But we assume that by nature, these platforms have a limitation in their real world manifestations. An “app” can’t feed hungry families, give Christmas presents to needy children, or heat the homes of struggling seniors. Or at least, it didn’t used to.
The Salvation Army’s Online Red Kettle is simply a high-tech version of the traditional red kettle that has long supported our work providing critical social and emergency disaster services to people right here in Pittsburgh. We’re enlisting all internet-savy philanthropists as bell ringers. With the click of the mouse, now anyone can start a red kettle and start fundraising for The Salvation Army.
It is free and easy to sign up at www.OnlineRedKettle.org. Upload your address book, send emails and grab Facebook and Twitter widgets to encourage family, friends and colleagues to make online donations to help you reach your goal. You can even download the free iPhone app and give hope to thousands of people in Pittsburgh with a few taps of your finger.
This year more than ever, we are in desperate need of help. The economic downturn has brought us a new group of people in desperate need of help. People in Pittsburgh who used to donate to The Salvation Army during Christmas are now knocking at our door, asking for helping feeding their children and buying coats for the winter ahead.
Every day of the year, we offer help and hope to thousands of people across Allegheny County and around the world. From the victims of disaster, addiction and homelessness to youth, families and senior citizens. With the unemployment rate high and Christmas around the corner, we’re asking our online community for help. Grab your mouse pad, arm yourself with the social media weaponry of your choice, and become a virtual bell ringer this holiday season. Help us change lives.
For more information on The Salvation Army of Western Pennsylvania, go to www.salvationarmy-wpa.org or www.onlineredkettle.org.