Steel City Versus Mistake by the Lake - Pittsburgh Salvation Army Throws Down the Gauntlet to Cleveland Counterpart - Online Red Kettle Challenge Begins

CARNEGIE, Pa., Nov. 30, 2010 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- It's a rivalry as old as its sports teams. Now the battle is up close and personal and the weapon is your computer. Let the games begin and you can play! Put your money where your heart is and prove to the world that Pittsburghers are the most generous givers to The Salvation Army.

Beginning on Wednesday, December 1st and ending Friday, December 31st, Pittsburgh and Cleveland residents get to decide—and contribute online at www.salvationarmy-wpa.org, click on the challenge banner and fill The Salvation Army Pittsburgh virtual kettle. The city with the most online contributions wins the contest – and in turn, countless needy families reap the benefits!

The "Pittsburgh vs. Cleveland Online Red Kettle Contest" was conceived by Salvation Army advisory board members who wanted to jumpstart online giving, capitalizing on the fierce, decades-deep rivalry of these two cities. Both areas have seen a severe spike in client services. "The Salvation Army loves a good natured battle," said Western Pennsylvania Salvation Army Divisional Commander Major Robert Reel.  "My 'adversary,' Major Ricardo Fernandez of Cleveland is a great friend, but he needs to prepare to lose this challenge!"

The conclusion of the contest involves a "Best of Pittsburgh" or "Best of Cleveland" treat basket where the winning city will send to the losing city following the contest. "I'm looking forward to snacking on all of those local Ohio treats," said Reel.

Both a church and a social service organization, The Salvation Army began in London, England in 1865. Today, it provides critical services in 120 countries worldwide.  The 28-county Western Pennsylvania Division serves thousands of needy families through a wide variety of support services. To learn more about The Salvation Army in Western Pennsylvania, log onto www.salvationarmy-wpa.org.  The Salvation Army ... Doing the most good . . . for the most people . . . in the most need.

SOURCE The Salvation Army