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Released 6 December 2011
KNOXVILLE, TENN. - December 6,
2011 - The Salvation Army's Red Kettles and bell ringers have been a
part of America's Christmas since 1891. Money donated to the kettles helps
provide food for the hungry, shelter for the
homeless and safety for women and children who are victims of
abuse. This year, the Knoxville Area Command is using "QR" codes to make
donating as simple as ever.
"We've found that people are more likely to have a smart phone in their
pocket than loose change," says Knoxville Area Commander Major Don Vick. "In an
age where credit and debit cards are primary means of spending, we've had to
experiment with alternative ways for those without cash or change on them to
make a donation to the kettles and we feel the QR code is the best option at
this point"
Previous Red Kettle campaigns included mobile credit card machines and
"text-to-give" options for donors. The QR codes not only provide donors with a
convenient means to make a donation via credit card but it also gives them an
opportunity to follow The Salvation Army on social media, sign up for
newsletters and more.
"The technology is real simple," explains Jim Caughhorn, Vice President of
Graphic Creations, Inc. "The QR code is something you scan with your smart
phone that enables people to access information formatted for the phone's small
screen. Research shows that 58 percent of people with a smart phone have
scanned at least one QR code since getting their phone."
The Knoxville Area Command has nine kettle locations in West Knoxville
utilizing QR codes.
For more information on the Red Kettle Campaign, call (865) 525-9401.
About The Salvation Army
The Salvation Army, an evangelical part of the universal Christian church
established in 1865, has been supporting those in need in His name without
discrimination for 130 years in the United States. Nearly 30 million Americans
receive assistance from The Salvation Army each year through the broadest array
of social services that range from providing food for the hungry, relief for
disaster victims, assistance for the disabled, outreach to the elderly and ill,
clothing and shelter to the homeless and opportunities for underprivileged
children. 82 cents of every dollar spent is used to carry out those services in
5,000 communities nationwide. For more information, go to www.salvationarmyusa.org.
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