Salvation Army accepting Apple Pay and Google Pay for Red Kettle donations
CAPITAL REGION (WRGB) – The Salvation Army is making it easier for people to donate to their annual Red Kettle campaigns.
They’re adding NFC tags to their red kettle signs across the country, so you can use Apple Pay or Google Pay on your smartphone.
Leaders with the Salvation Army say they’ve noticed fewer people carry cash these days.
“Obviously that makes our campaign a little harder because we rely on donations from the public.” Lt. Bree Barker, from the Salvation Army in Saratoga Springs said.
Lt. Barker said they’ve tried using credit card readers, but found they were difficult. She says the NFC tags are more user friendly.
When you see a red kettle, you can hold your phone up to the Apple Pay or Google Pay tag on the sign, and a screen will appear on your phone that allows you to enter your donation.
Lt. Barker said donations have been down over the past few years. For example, in Saratoga County, this year’s goal is $125,000.
“last year across upstate New York I think it was about 50% of the locations didn't make their goal,” Lt. Barker said. “That's huge, and it creates a very big Impact on what we are able to accomplish during the year through different programs and different services that we offer.”
All donations stay local, and help fund programs throughout the year.
The Red Kettle Campaign kicks off Monday November 11th and runs through Christmas Eve.
