Salvation of Central Maryland launches Operation Rescue Christmas

Typically when shopping for the holidays you'll notice and hear the bells ringing for the Salvation Army's red kettle campaign.

Volunteers will still be standing outside various locations asking for donations but this year, because of COVID-19, the organization is added a new digital element to its campaign.

On the signs there is a QR code to scan and make a donation from a smart phone. The purpose of this is to be able to donate without having to touch anything.

"This keeps in mind the safety of our donors and our volunteers," said Lt. Antiono Willis. "This is one of the safest ways to give."

The Salvation Army has also launched its online red kettle campaign where people can donate from the safety of their own homes.

"We encourage people to share it on social media, even start a team of their own to help raise money," said Lt. Willis.

Due to COVID-19, the Salvation Army is seeing about a 30% increase in demand for the Angel Tree program.

"We have 200 more families than we did last year," said Samantha Bowman, volunteer and special events coordinator for the Salvation Army of Central Maryland. "We need volunteers. We're down because of COVID-19. Without volunteers we can't do what we do."

For information on the online red kettle campaign click here.

For information on volunteering with the Salvation Army click here.