SAN FRANCISCO -- Nov. 26, 2002 -- In the winter of 1891, Salvation Army Captain Joe McFee put a crab pot on the San Francisco docks and asked citizens to "keep the pot boiling" by making donations so he could feed the needy at Christmastime. These days, we all know this "crab pot" to be The Salvation Army Christmas Kettle. Once again, The Salvation Army is on the cutting edge of creating effective methods to reach society's underserved with the launch of its very first online toy donation web site, www.givingtree.org.
Givingtree.org will be the online version of The Army's successful Angel Giving Tree Program that features trees in malls and workplaces, bringing in thousands of presents for needy children. Instead of going to a mall, shoppers will be able to pick from a variety of toys for all ages at givingtree.org. The gifts will be shipped to the designated Salvation Army distribution location, where they will be given to local children and families. The web site was developed by San Francisco-based Donor Digital and Duniya Technologies of Atlanta using Yahoo Stores technology.
"This new online program will greatly enhance The Salvation Army's Web presence and as a result increase online giving and build stronger relationships with those who use the Internet as their primary communication and commerce tool," said Nicci Noble, Internet Development Director for The Salvation Army's Golden State Division.
"I am very excited about our new project and see it as another example of how we are constantly striving to serve our community through diverse and effective methods," added Lt. Col. Bettie Love, San Francisco City Administrator for The Salvation Army's Golden State Division.
Since 1883, The Salvation Army has been serving the San Francisco Bay Area community, offering practical support, spiritual comfort and a critical safety net to people in crisis without discrimination. The Army has 11 centers throughout San Francisco and provides a myriad of services, including child day care and drug and alcohol rehabilitation centers, transitional housing, and nutritional and housing support for seniors. Those wishing to make donations can call their local Salvation Army, or log onto www.tsagoldenstate.org.