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(Memphis 11/30/09) The Salvation Army is trying to keep up with the changing times. For years you've seen the red kettles outside stores during the holiday season and bell ringers asking for spare change or cash.
Now you can donate with debit or credit.
Linda Bills has been ringing a bell beside the Salvation Army's red kettles for 20 years now. Over the last few years she's noticed a trend. More and more people aren't carrying cash and can't give.
"I hear it a lot, but it's okay, said Bills.
But the Salvation Army is hoping cashless kettles will change all that. At one inside the Hobby Lobby store in Bartlett you can drop in coins or bills or swipe your credit or debit card to make a donation.
"It will print out a receipt to take with them. Ultimately, their info is safe. It's downloaded every night and it's gone forever and ultimately, shows up on credit card statements," said Major Mark Woodcock with the Salvation Army.
Cashless kettles are now being used in about 200 cities across the country.
Along with giving people more options, the Salvation Army is also noticing those who donate with plastic tend to give more.
"What we see in other cities across the U.S. is that average cash gift is $2, but on a credit card or debit card the average gift goes up to $15,"
Shoppers at the Hobby Lobby had never seen the cashless red kettles before, but like the idea. They think it will encourage more people to give.
"Because a lot of people don't carry cash on them. Most people use debit cards these days," said Pat Wiggins.
Right now the Salvation Army has cashless kettles set up at 6 locations in the area. It plans to expand that number in the years to come.
- The Memphis Salvation Army is using some cashless red kettles this year
- The cashless kettles allow you donate with plastic
- The kettles are set up at 6 locations in the Memphis area
(Memphis 11/30/09) The Salvation Army is trying to keep up with the changing times. For years you've seen the red kettles outside stores during the holiday season and bell ringers asking for spare change or cash.
Now you can donate with debit or credit.
Linda Bills has been ringing a bell beside the Salvation Army's red kettles for 20 years now. Over the last few years she's noticed a trend. More and more people aren't carrying cash and can't give.
"I hear it a lot, but it's okay, said Bills.
But the Salvation Army is hoping cashless kettles will change all that. At one inside the Hobby Lobby store in Bartlett you can drop in coins or bills or swipe your credit or debit card to make a donation.
"It will print out a receipt to take with them. Ultimately, their info is safe. It's downloaded every night and it's gone forever and ultimately, shows up on credit card statements," said Major Mark Woodcock with the Salvation Army.
Cashless kettles are now being used in about 200 cities across the country.
Along with giving people more options, the Salvation Army is also noticing those who donate with plastic tend to give more.
"What we see in other cities across the U.S. is that average cash gift is $2, but on a credit card or debit card the average gift goes up to $15,"
Shoppers at the Hobby Lobby had never seen the cashless red kettles before, but like the idea. They think it will encourage more people to give.
"Because a lot of people don't carry cash on them. Most people use debit cards these days," said Pat Wiggins.
Right now the Salvation Army has cashless kettles set up at 6 locations in the area. It plans to expand that number in the years to come.
