COLORADO SPRINGS — Most of us are familiar with the bell ringers and the Salvation Army's Red Kettles outside of businesses during the holidays. As more and more Americans carry less cash, the Salvation Army made a move to change the way that people can donate.
Shoppers who run into a Salvation Army bell ringer will no longer have to start digging for change or dollar bills because the organization is now offering a digital donation method at many locations. The side of the Red Kettle display sign will have QR codes and smart chips that allow smartphone users to donated via Apple Pay and Google Pay. Shoppers will be directed to a custom donation page and the funds will then be distributed to local Salvation Army units based on the donor’s billing ZIP cod. The donor will receive an emailed receipt, sent directly to their phone.
The Salvation Army provides food for the hungry, shelter for the homeless, and Christmas assistance for families in need.
