House-holders in the US city of Atlanta will be given a new option when the Salvation Army knocks on their doors to collect money this year. Dionne Walker reports for the Associated Press that the Salvos have introduced a new SMS service by which people can donate $5 by texting to a particular number. This is after a pilot of the programme in the state of Ohio.
I actually like this idea, and generally appreciate the Salvos keeping to their on-the-spot coin donations as many other charities move to seek long-term financial commitments from people. While this is undoubtedly more effective for the charities many people are not in a position to commit to something so long-term, aside from the more cringe-inducing invasiveness of being bailed up on the street by someone who wants you to sign over a portion of your monthly income. The problem with these SMS services is they always end up having significant fees attached to them. Unfortunately there is no information yet as to what the total cost will be. Presumably this will be revealed later, or at the time of collection.
A note: the reference to the Red Shield Appeal in the title is perhaps misleading, as I’m not sure they refer to it by that name in America. Curiously, the donation drive is better known for the red kettles in which the Salvos collect coins, something I think we missed out on here in Aus.
