Salvation Army Now Takes Plastic

(MYFOX NATIONAL) - The Salvation Army has a new high-tech way for you to donate this holiday season. Bell ringers are now taking credit and debit cards right at their kettles.

The new swiping machines made their debut this weekend in northern Oregon and the process seems pretty easy.

People swipe their cards, then put their receipt in the kettle just like they would with cash donations.

Bell ringer Francine Saunders says the donations are pouring in -- both cash and credit.

Even people that don't donate, they're like ‘wow, you guys are taking credit or debit?’" she said.

Major James Sullivan of the Salvation Army said the machines have allowed the organization to keep donations at record levels despite the recession.

"Slowly we’re becoming a cashless society, and that leaves the bell-ringer standing, so we want to make sure that the Salvation Army doesn't get left standing," Sullivan explained.

The credit card readers accept Visa, MasterCard and American Express. Donors can choose between credit and debit, and there are no added costs for using your card as the Salvation Army says U.S. Bank is not charging card processing fees on donations.

William Booth began the Salvation Army in 1865 , and the donations have helped millions of needy people ever since.

"I've seen how much they need ... I've seen them doing the food baskets. I've seen what these people were getting, they need it, they really need it," Saunders concluded.