30 Days of Giving, Day 6: The Salvation Army

This is the sixth in a 30-day series of ways Patch community members can give back this holiday season. We hope you'll take part in this 30 Days of Giving and take the spirit beyond the holidays, because there truly is need all year long.

Collect money virtually

Dropping change in the red kettles outside the grocery store is a traditional part of the holiday season. While the tradition of bell-ringing volunteers still continues, there is now another way to donate to The Salvation Army — giving to an online red kettle.

In order to widen its approach and better utilize social media, The Salvation Army has created the online red kettle system, giving individuals, groups and companies the ability to collect money virtually in their own kettles from friends, family, colleagues and more.

To start your own virtual red kettle, visit onlineredkettle.org and create a user name and password. The website will request your ZIP code in order to ensure that all money raised by your kettle is donated to individuals and organizations in and around your community.

To drum up attention for their kettles, participants can promote their kettle in any way they like — via email, Twitter, Facebook and other social media platforms. Participants are not expected to donate money themselves, and though they are asked to set a fundraising goal, they are not required to meet any goals. Donations are accepted in the online red kettles through Jan. 31.

Individuals can also give back to The Salvation Army by donating online at salvationarmyusa.org.

Donate used goods

In addition to collecting money, The Salvation Army also collects used clothing and household goods all year long. Goods may be dropped off at any local Salvation Army stores.

In addition, the  will be aiding efforts in the coming weeks by hosting its own donation drive. Those interested in donating may drop off household goods and clothing at The Salvation Army trucks in the zoo’s parking lot beneath the water tower. Drop-off times are from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, Sunday and Dec. 10-11.

For more information on how to donate, visit salarmythrift.com or call 866-448-3866. Look for Salvation Army stores and drop-off locations in these communities:

• Royal Oak, at and
• Southfield, at 26235 Greenfield Rd. and 16130 Northland Dr.
• Auburn Hills, at 605 S. Opdyke Rd.
• , at 823 Auburn Rd.
• West Bloomfield, at 32320 Orchard Lake Rd.
• Pontiac, at 469 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. and 1185 N. Perry St.
• , at 27500 Shiawassee Rd.

Do you have an idea for the 30 Days of Giving? Send your idea to Editor Laura Houser at Laura.Houser@patch.com.

Previous days

• Day 1:
• Day 2:
• Day 3:
• Day 4:
• Day 5: