COLUMBIA – As the holidays approach, one local organization is offering a new way for people to give back to their community and donate.
The Salvation Army’s Red Kettle campaign has added a tap technology to increase digital donations. It is supposed to make it easier for donors to give money with a tap of their credit card or smartphone.
Major Kevin Cedervall is the corps officer at the Columbia Salvation Army. He is excited about this new technology and hopes people decide to donate through the tap technology if they don’t have cash.
“You can just put your credit card right up to a little spot and it will automatically take out $5, $10 or $20,” Cedervall said.
The Salvation Army just incorporated this new technology this year, around Nov. 10.
“You don’t need an app to use this technology,” he said. “All you need is to have a credit card connected to your phone.”
The tap technology can be found at three locations in Columbia, including Schnucks on Forum Boulevard and Walmart on Broadway and Grindstone Parkway.
Red Kettle volunteer Carlin Black plays his saxophone to enhance the experience of volunteering for the Salvation Army. Black said he has seen a few people use the tap technology but thinks most people don’t know about the new option.
“I think people maybe haven’t caught on yet, but I am hopeful that it will catch on,” Black said. “I saw it being used, but it’s still definitely more cash so far.”
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The Salvation Army’s Christmas goal is to raise $419,000. Cedervall said donations so far this year total $200,000, which is an increase in donations from last year.
“We noticed a huge lack in donations last year, but this year it has increased back up to where we like it to be,” Cedervall said. “One of the things I notice is that we don’t get as much change as we used too.”
Now in a near cashless society, the Salvation Army had to find different ways to accommodate people who no longer carry cash.
The Salvation Army added Venmo, Pay Pal, Google Pay and Apply Pay so people could feel comfortable donating by phone. Since Salvation Army added those options, staff have seen a steady increase in digital donations.
“We started a few years with the QR code that takes you to a site to donate, and this year we are trying something new, so we will see,” Cedervall said.
Cedervall encouraged mid-Missourians to give what they can.
“For me, it’s one of the best things we can do. When we give gifts to our family it’s wonderful, it’s an amazing opportunity but when we get it out of our spirit of thankfulness, it’s something we get out of that,” Cedervall said. “It not only betters our community and helps that person, but we actually receive a blessing from giving out of our hearts.”
Residents can donate at Hy-Vee, Schnucks, Moser’s, Gerbes, and Sam’s. The last day for donations through the Red Kettle campaign is Saturday, Dec. 23. Online and walk-in donations will be accepted until Jan. 30.