COLUMBUS – The Salvation Army is making technology a part of its iconic red kettle Christmas season fundraising drive, a 125-year-old tradition in central Ohio.
The latest Red Kettle Campaign, which began Nov. 15th, will be the first in which for donors can contribute with Apple Pay or Google Pay, said Maj. Debra Ashcraft, area coordinator for The Salvation Army in Central Ohio.
The Salvation Army has placed smart chips and QR codes on signs at around 80 different locations in central Ohio where kettles have been set up, allowing shoppers to tap or scan their smartphones to make a digital donation.
Donors will be directed to a web page that accepts Apple or Google payment options, funds will 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, Ashcraft said.
The kettles will remain in place until Christmas Eve at the following locations: Big Lots, Cabelas, Easton Town Center, Hills Market, Hobby Lobby, Huffman’s Market, JC Penny’s, Kroger Stores, Sam’s Club, The Mall at Tuttle Crossing, Walmart, WonderLights Christmas.
If you don’t find a kettle near you, text CENTRALOH to 71777 to donate.