Salvation Army debuts Apple Pay, Google Pay at Red Kettles; cash still accepted

November 17, 2019 | 3:24 am

Updated November 17, 2019 | 8:15 am

Holding a smart phone to the Salvation Army's Red Kettle sign will allow donors to use Apple Pay and Google Pay. | Photo by AP Imagery

The Salvation Army’s Red Kettle Campaign kicked off Friday and for the first time, bell ringers at the iconic Red Kettles are taking mobile donations via Apple Pay and Google Pay, in an attempt to make it more convenient for donors to give back during the Christmas season.

“A different segment of the population will be able to give — they don’t have to search for change,” said Captain Aaron Abram, corps officer of the Owensboro Salvation Army.

The Salvation Army has placed smart chips or QR codes on Red Kettle signs across the nation, allowing donors to tap the sign to be taken through the steps for a digital donation where donors have the option to select an amount of $5, $10 or $25, or enter a custom amount. The funds will then be distributed to local Salvation Army units based on the donor’s billing ZIP code, and an email receipt will be sent directly to their phone.

The Salvation Army has named the new program “Kettle Pay,” and all donation locations will have the technology.

“Kettle Pay makes it even easier for donors to join the Salvation Army’s Fight for Good. It provides an opportunity for people to fight for the millions of Americans experiencing poverty by raising money for Salvation Army programs in their communities, including food for the hungry, shelter for the homeless. and Christmas assistance for families in need,” said Abram. “Our kettles will be out at select locations beginning November 15, and at locations such as Walmart, Sam’s Club and Kroger beginning Black Friday.”

With a shorter window between Thanksgiving and Christmas, the Salvation Army is hoping this incentive will make it easier for people to contribute.

Now in its 129th year, the Salvation Army’s Red Kettle Campaign is one of the oldest and largest charitable campaigns in the world. Every year, the campaign raises millions of dollars to provide toys for kids at Christmas, clothes and shelter for the homeless, food for the hungry, after-school programs for kids, and other services to America’s most vulnerable populations year-round. According to the Salvation Army, $142.7 million was raised nationally during the 2018 campaign.

All donations from the kettle drive will fund local Salvation Army programs.

Donations can also be made online at Give.SalvationArmyUSA.org, or on mobile phones by texting KETTLE to 91999.

November 17, 2019 | 3:24 am

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