The Salvation Army helps people year 'round. Though needs become more acute around the holiday season, the Salvation Army always is there to help.
For the Texarkana mission, their shelter and kitchen, where they feed the needy an evening meal every day, the needs continue.
As the United States becomes more reliant on electronic currency exchange, however, this creates opportunity for resources to come to the Salvation Army.
When the traditional kettle and bell comes out, along with this iconic image, the Salvation Army has equipped the signs with smart chips and QR codes, which allows shoppers to "bump" or scan their phones to make digital donations. Donors will be directed to a donation page that accepts Apple or Google payment options.
"We are hoping the addition of Apple Pay and Google Pay at each red kettle will make it even easier for donors to help the Salvation Army's Rescue Christmas this year," said Maj. Russell Czajkowski, Salvation Army-Texarkana.
"As society continues to limit social interaction, and as fewer and fewer people carry cash, this is a great way for people to give, especially our younger donors who do everything from their phones these days," he added.
Another way to donate electronically is through Text-To-Give.
"We ask people to text KETTLE to 9199, enter the donation amount and you are done," he said. "It is easy as that."
"For those with Alexa, you can say, 'Alexa, donate amount of your choice to Salvation Army Texarkana," Maj. Tracey Czajkowski said. "Also, you can go to salvationarmytexas.org/Texarkana?, create a virtual kettle for yourself and others in which to donate."
"Supporters can set up their virtual kettles as individuals or as part of a team" said Russell Czajkowski.
Now in its 130th year, The Salvation Army's Red Kettle Campaign is one of the oldest and largest charitable campaigns in the world. Every year, the campaign raises millions of dollars nationwide to provide toys for kids at Christmas, clothes and shelter for the homeless, food for the hungry, after-school programs for kids, and other services to America's most vulnerable populations year-round.