The Salvation Army announced today that two men posing as its red kettle volunteers were recently spotted soliciting donors in Downtown Pittsburgh. Two African-American males, wearing clothing with Salvation Army logos on their backs, were asking for donations, using coffee cans with "The Salvation Army" written on them.

Yesterday, a man fitting a similar description was soliciting businesses and homes on Pittsburgh's North Side.

"Our kettle volunteers do not rove and ask for money," said Maj. James LaBossiere, The Salvation Army's Allegheny County Coordinator. "For the most part, our kettle solicitations are over by the New Year. However, we do have some volunteers at a few selected sites who sell our national magazine, 'War Cry.' But, they are in a fixed position with a standard kettle, in official Salvation Army clothing, and possess appropriate identification."

If a donor is in doubt of someone soliciting on behalf of The Salvation Army, it is best not to give to that individual, the local office suggested. Good alternatives are to send a check directly to a local Salvation Worship and Service Center or to give online.