SOUTHFIELD, Mich. -- The Salvation Army of Metro Detroit has gone high tech for the 2012 Red Kettle Campaign. AT&T is loaning the nonprofit 36 Android phones to support the drivers who transport bell ringers and the iconic red kettles to and from nearly 450 locations throughout metro Detroit.

“With so many people involved in the bell ringing process, prompt communication is essential to The Salvation Army’s Red Kettle Campaign. The smart phones on loan from AT&T will allow our drivers to communicate with their local Salvation Army Corps Community Centers and kettle sites in ways that haven’t been done before,” said Major Mark Anderson, general secretary and metro Detroit area commander of The Salvation Army Eastern Michigan Division. “For the first time, our drivers will have access to GPS navigation, all thanks to our partnership with AT&T. That will clearly be a big time-saver.”

One more high tech benefit is that The Salvation Army will be able to communicate in real time with their supporters through social networking sites such as Facebook (www.facebook.com/salmich.org) and Twitter (@SalMich). Photo sharing and status updates by Salvation Army drivers will keep the community updated on how supporters are Doing the Most Good this holiday season.

 "While there is nothing high-tech or cutting-edge about helping our neighbors, especially around the holiday season, we at AT&T are proud to bring the very latest in technology and high speed communications to help support The Salvation Army and its volunteers in their long and generous legacy of giving in communities around SE Michigan," said Brian Ducharme, vice president and general manager of AT&T Michigan & Indiana.

The Salvation Army’s Red Kettle Campaign runs through Dec. 24. To make a tax deductible contribution: 
-- Visit www.salmich.org;
-- Call 877-SAL-MICH;
-- Or text “GOODMICH” to 80888* (an automatic $10 donation will be made)
-- You can also send a check or money order, made payable to The Salvation Army, to: 16130 Northland Dr., Southfield, MI 48075