Salvation Army Receives Donations Differently in the Age of Technology

The Salvation Army's infamous Red Kettle campaign is in full swing, which kicked off on Black Friday. But Raul Munoz, the organization's public liaison in central Texas, says there isn't much time to collect money for Salvation Army's largest fund raiser of the year.

"We have 24 days," Munoz said. "We kicked off on Black Friday. That gives us 24 days to ring the bells and try to raise $300,000, but it's going to be a challenge the way the economy is right now."

But the state of the economy is exactly why Munoz is excited about technology that may bring in money that otherwise may have passed by the red kettles at local stores.

Now the charitable group is hoping to make donating easier by accepting plastic and online donations. "Because we're in Austin, Texas, we're real hopeful that more people tell each other about the online red kettle campaign that we have going on," said Munoz.

The Salvation Army began testing the electronic payment machines last year. They'll be up and running in 120 cities this year, and the online donation site is expected to play a big role in the donation process.

"That online red kettle campaign, as we keep going, we're going to be able to get people online," Munoz said.

Munoz is hopeful that virtual bell ringing may be even more popular than the traditional form of collecting money at local stores, especially when people tell their friends and neighbors. Plus, Munoz says, it's convenient.

"They'll be able to set up their kettles, get that money going and write their friends and neighbors to make their own goal. It will make a big difference in someone's life here," he said.

On average, donors who paid with credit or debit card, or online, gave $2 to $15 more. Plus, Munoz said people may not choose to stand outside and ring a bell, but they can go online and tell their friends and family about the Salvation Army's need.

"People don't want to stand outside of a Wal-Mart ringing a bell next to a kettle, but they can become virtual bell ringers," he said. That may increase donations this year and help the Salvation Army reach its goal faster, helping people in need in Austin.