(CBS Detroit) Still shy of its $8.2 million Red Kettle campaign fundraising goal, the Salvation Army is urging supporters to make a donation before midnight, Dec. 31.

The added benefit? Getting a break on 2011 taxes.

“A donation before the New Year helps us fight the severe need we’ve seen in metro Detroit this year, including a continued increase in the demand for our services,” said Major Mark Anderson, general secretary and metro area commander for The Salvation Army of Metro Detroit. “Donations postmarked or received through Dec. 31 help us reach our $8.2 million Red Kettle Campaign goal.”

A donation immediately comes off a donor’s 2011 taxes as a charitable deduction from your taxable income, (versus making a donation in early 2012) – that would show as a deduction on 2012 taxes. Learn more about the tax rules of charitable giving here.

Funds from the Red Kettle Campaign are used to support programs and services offered to assist local families and individuals in times of need 365 days a year in Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties, including food and shelter.

Contributions can be made by sending a check to The Salvation Army at 16130 Northland Drive, Southfield, MI 48075; calling 877-SAL-MICH; giving online at www.salmich.org until Jan. 31, 2011; or texting ‘GOODMICH’ to 80888* to make a $10 donation.