Technology Behind the Tradition

The Salvation Army has embraced the digital age to ensure a continued mission in Memphis. For the past 108 years, the nonprofit organization has helped the lost, hungry and hopeless regain faith and conviction for a better life. The message "heart to God, hand to man" has remained the same, but as technology has evolved, so to has The Salvation Army's use of it.

For more than a century, The Salvation Army's largest fundraiser has been the Red Kettle Campaign. Until recently, this program relied solely on the generosity of shoppers putting a few dollars into the kettles during the holiday season.

Now The Salvation Army is utilizing new tactics and technologies to complement this program. To appeal to a younger audience and remain relevant in a society that is carrying less cash, The Salvation Army is launching a system of text-message giving. Individuals can text the word "RING" to 90999 to donate $5 to the kettles. Loose change or dollar bills are no longer the only way to make a positive impact.

Text giving joins the Online Red Kettle campaign, a very successful Web based fundraiser, now in its second year. Online Red Kettles are virtual versions of The Salvation Army's Red Kettle Campaign. Instead of physically ringing a bell outside shopping centers, the Online Red Kettles allow volunteers the opportunity to raise money from the comfort of their own homes or businesses. Online Red Kettles can even be integrated into Web sites or MySpace and Facebook pages.

E-blasts, television broadcasts, online news clips and many other digitalized solutions are used regularly to support The Salvation Army's mission. The digital revolution has helped The Salvation Army's traditional message flourish in new, interactive ways.