Donors can put plastic in Salvation Army buckets this season
Filed under: Charity
Residents of Colorado Springs need not reach in their pocket this year for change when they hear the familiar ringing of the Salvation Army volunteer calling attention to its donation bucket. In a test program, some Santas wil be equipped to take plastic.
For the test, done in cooperation with U.S. Bank, the volunteers (augmented, when necessary, with paid temps) will be equipped with wireless card readers, so donors can swipe to support the Army's homeless shelter and meal programs.
The program stands to bring in more money for two reasons; the declining value of change, and people's propensity to give more using credit cards than when forking over cash. It may also reassure donors skeptical that 100% of the donated funds will reach the Salvation Army, and will provide documentation for those who wish to claim a deduction on their taxes.
Still, the sound of a card swipe isn't as satisfying as coins plinking into the traditional red bucket. But if the difference brings shelter and food to those in need and Christmas gifts for their children, I can live with the change.
Charity is the Star
Scores of foreign workers break their fast in a Saudi mosque in the Red Sea city of Jeddah on September 4, 2008. Saudi Arabia, cradle of Islam, and other oil-rich Arab monarchies in the Gulf ushered in Ramadan, the Muslim holy month marked by an upsurge of charity and a slowdown in activity. During Ramadan, Muslims abstain from eating, drinking, smoking and sexual relations from sunrise to sunset. AFP PHOTO/OMAR SALEM (Photo credit should read Omar Salem/AFP/Getty Images)
AFP/Getty Images
A painting by German artist Franz Xaver Winterhalter entitled 'La Siesta' is seen at Sotheby's auction rooms in London, Friday Nov. 14, 2008. The painting once owned by Britain's Queen Victoria is estimated at ã60,000-ã80,000 ($89,00-$118,000) and is part of a collection of art which will be sold on Nov. 19, with the proceeds of the sale going to charity. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)
AP
The stamps on the reverse of a painting by German artist Franz Xaver Winterhalter entitled 'La Siesta' proving it's Royal provenance is seen at Sotheby's auction rooms in London, Friday Nov. 14, 2008. The painting once owned by Britain's Queen Victoria is estimated at ã60,000-ã80,000 ($89,00-$118,000) and is part of a collection of art which will be sold on Nov. 19, with the proceeds of the sale going to charity. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)
AP
A painting by artist John Anster Fitzgerald entitled ' The Stuff that Dreams are Made of ', right, is seen at Sotheby's auction rooms in London, Friday, Nov. 14, 2008. The painting estimated at ã300,000-ã500,000 ($440,900-$ 734,820) is part of a collection of British art which will be sold on Nov. 19, with the proceeds of the sale going to charity. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)
AP
A painting by artist Sophie Anderson entitled 'No Walk Today', is seen at Sotheby's auction rooms in London, Friday, Nov. 14, 2008. The painting estimated at ã600,000-ã800,000 ($890,130-$1,186,840) is part of a collection of British art which will be sold on Nov. 19, with the proceeds of the sale going to charity. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)
AP
A 'bearded-lady' is seen at the Carnival Spectacular, a 1930's-themed charity party for Dramatic Need, an African-based arts charity, in London Thursday, Nov. 13, 2008. (AP Photo/Joel Ryan)
AP
Clown Dj's perform at the Carnival Spectacular, a 1930's-themed charity party for Dramatic Need, an African-based arts charity, in London Thursday, Nov. 13, 2008. (AP Photo/Joel Ryan)
AP
Josh Hartnett, left, and Helena Christensen arrive for the Carnival Spectacular, a 1930's-themed charity party for Dramatic Need, an African-based arts charity, in London Thursday, Nov. 13, 2008. (AP Photo/Joel Ryan)
AP
Josh Hartnett arrives for the Carnival Spectacular, a 1930's-themed charity party for Dramatic Need, an African-based arts charity, in London Thursday, Nov. 13, 2008. (AP Photo/Joel Ryan)
AP
Helena Christensen arrives for the Carnival Spectacular, a 1930's-themed charity party for Dramatic Need, an African-based arts charity, in London Thursday, Nov. 13, 2008. (AP Photo/Joel Ryan)
AP
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 3)
11-16-2008 @ 8:25AM
jack said...
I can see identity theft already
Reply
11-16-2008 @ 1:27PM
joncdodge said...
Ditto....Heres a good read
10 Things You Might Not Know About Your Credit Card
http://www.curiousread.com/2008/07/10-things-you-might-not-know-about-your.html
11-16-2008 @ 9:00AM
Angiebaby said...
It's a bit sad to see traditions end. I predict that within a few years, there will be Salvation Army ATM's in front of the Walmart with an automated bell sound reminding charitable folks to drop money, or plastic, into the slots to donate.
Reply
11-16-2008 @ 12:59PM
Subhogue said...
yep, i hear ya
11-16-2008 @ 9:20AM
Irene said...
You have got to be kidding me? Plastic acceptance now for the Bell Ringers? Such a sad trend. Halloween Candy arrives in the stores in the summer, when people are back to school shopping. Santa now arrives at the malls the weekend after Halloween. Not like when we were kids, when Santa came/arrived on the Weekend after Thanksgiving. Typically in some cool way that got everyone excited. That's tradition! People say what is wrong with America's Youth? Well there are some examples. We are taking away there childhood. Mom goes shopping for sales the weekend after Halloween, for Thanksgiving attire for the kiddies and BAM guess who is there. Talk about ruining the fun of the month before holiday's. The economy is in turmoil. People are loosing jobs, Money is tight, people are trying to pinch each penny. God knows we all fear $4.00 and up gas prices again. We know it will happen. What gives Santa right after Halloween? Let's shove the holidays down the throats of America, so mom and dad can squeeze more out of the family budget. You know once those kiddies see Santa they start thinking of what they want. And lets admit it, We give in we don't want to see disappointment on our childs face on Christmas morning. Big Business needs a reality check. Stop ruining America. We know the Holiday is coming. We all had time to prepare. Don't ruin it for our kids and grandkids. Keep some sort of tradition. My children are 18 and 16 and still they enjoy seeing the Bell Ringers, and we always give to them a dollar or two and just some lose change. Tradtion is each kettle we walk by we give to. I will not Swipe my credit card to give a small donation. Sorry but some of those Bell Ringers look like they need a hot meal and warm bath. I won't give my card number to any MaryJo or Sammy the Bell Ringer. I don't think anyone will trust that. So Stick with the tradtions we all know and love. RING those BELLS and HEAR our Change fall into your kettle.
Reply
11-16-2008 @ 1:17PM
MJ said...
Right you are! Then they expect us to not say Merry Christmas anymore! Just cancel Christmas, if it is so troubling to point out what it is about. We can certainly celebrate Christmas without the commercialism.
11-16-2008 @ 10:14AM
Cindy said...
I agree with Jack! I can see identity thefft already! Also, part of your donations go to that bell ringer, staff of SA, and god knows where else before it goes into helping the needy.
Reply
11-16-2008 @ 2:20PM
Red said...
NO money goes to the Volunteer bell ringers - my mother has been one for years, and gets NO reconpence -not even money for gas to drive to her assigned spot! SA does, on occasion, hire temps to man the kettle locations that don't have a volunteer for that shift - but these are often persons in need themselves, some of the shelter residents trying to make a few bucks for their own family's Christmas or even some of the disabled. Hence, providing employment to those in need as well!
11-16-2008 @ 10:18AM
sue said...
What has happened to the real meaning of Christmas? The celebration of the birth of Jesus. Yes in celebrating his birth we should try to help others but with the way the economy is do you really think people or going to swipe their credit card? People are having a hard enough time paying their own bills and you are expecting them to what swipe their card and donate $5.00 or more dollars. You will be lucky if people put there change or even a dollar is those kettle. With all those kettles set up all over the country I would imagine that all that change shoud add up to quite a bit. I am sure or at least hopefully that alot of people get help through the Salvation Army.
I have to agree though with the other post that the Christmas season starts a little to early now. I would like to get through Thanksgiving before I start to see all the Christmas stuff in the stores. Yes we would all love to give our kids everything they want but lets be realistic people are struggling to keep gas in their cars, food on the table and a roof over their heads. I am not going to use plastic to by christmas presents for family so what makes you think I would use plastic for a donation into that kettle.
Reply
11-16-2008 @ 10:30AM
ELEANOR said...
I CALLED TO SALVATION ARMY TO HELP A FRIEND OF MINE WHO LOST HER WHOLE HOME FR FIRE AND SHE GOT NO HELP FR THEM I WOULD NEVER GIVE TO THEM AGAIN
Reply
11-16-2008 @ 11:47AM
cheri said...
thats a shame, i can see why you would not want to give to them anymore.
11-16-2008 @ 11:55AM
LORI said...
I STAYED AT THE SALVATION ARMY HERE IN SARASOTA, FLORIDA 2 1/2 YEARS AGO. I WAS CHARGED $10 A NIGHT TO STAY THERE IN THEIR TLC PROGRAM, AND THE GENERAL HOMELESS PEOPLE WERE CHARGED $8 A NIGHT (NOW $10 A NIGHT). ALSO THEY RECEIVED $30,000 FOR THOSE WHO GRADUATED FROM THEIR VIP PROGRAM (DRUG & ALCOHOL TREATMENT). I HAVE ALSO SEEN THEIR EMPLOYEE'S POCKET/EMBEZZLE MONEY THAT THE HOMELESS GAVE TO STAY AT THEIR FACILITIES. THE FOOD THEY SERVE IS OUTDATED & UNDERCOOKED, AND NO ONE HAS A FOOD HANDLER'S CARD. ONE GUY GAVE A $10 MILLION DOLLAR DONATION SO THAT NO ONE HAD TO PAY TO STAY THERE, AND IS NOW SUING THE SALVATION ARMY TO GET HIS MONEY BACK, AS HE FOUND OUT THAT THE HOMELESS IS STILL BEING CHARGED TO STAY AT THEIR FACILITIES, AND THAT THE EMPLOYEE'S ARE EMBEZZLING MONEY. I STILL HAVE MY RECEIPT'S TO PROVE THAT I WAS CHARGED TO STAY AT THE SALVATION ARMY. I WAS EVEN CHARGED AN EXTRA 2 WEEKSTO STAY AT THEIR FACILITY, EVEN THOUGH I WASN'T THERE.
11-17-2008 @ 8:26PM
jamalter339 said...
You're wrong folks. I ring the bell every year, and I assure you, I am not, nor are most of the people who ring bells, "needy". We do it because the Salvation Army is one charity we KNOW handles the money well, and gets it where it needs to go. Way to go Salvation Army for keeping up with the times! This is so positive! Most people I know don't even carry cash anymore. The real meaning of Christmas?? It has nothing to do with whether credit cards are being swiped - that's just an acceptable form of cash now. I'm thrilled that Salvation Army has found a way to keep the kettle going, because I feared it was going to become extinct.
Reply
11-16-2008 @ 10:36AM
Joy said...
My first thought was ID theft, too! I have a tendancy to give all my change to the Salvation Army (just open my wallet and dump it out.) I won't be so quick to give, if they should stop taking any change at all. SA is the only operation I will give to when coming out of a store. I find the practice to be annoying and I refuse to support this kind of donation-taking.
Questions: What if a stolen cc is used (and accepted before reporting) or you file bankruptcy directly after the transaction. Is the cc company liable to pay the Salvation Army? Are the cc companies waving their percentage fee for each transaction? One cc in particular used to take close to 10% of each transaction amount from the retailer. I wonder if they still do...
Reply
11-16-2008 @ 10:46AM
kpbrott said...
With identity theft and credit card fraud as one of the latest scare tactics to sell unnecessary credit protection,(most credit card fraud is performed by family members and "friends"), anyone who goes for this is asking for trouble. How will anyone really know that the bell ringer is actually working for a charitable organization? The equipment is easy enough to aquire. Around here, someone (or ones) was attaching card readers over the slot on gas pumps just to steal the info from credit cards.
Reply
11-16-2008 @ 11:02AM
Terri said...
I have always given to the bellringers and used them as a tool for teaching my grandkids about helping people who have less than we do.
Well, now we ARE the have less, our work was cut down to 3 days a week, we have no heat and won't be able to get any now. I called Salvation Army to see if we could get help from them. We were refused because we are still considered working people, thier aid is reserved for the welfare recipients. Its gonna be a long, cold winter for us.
Reply
11-16-2008 @ 11:25AM
Lin said...
The Salvation Army is one of the most honorable charitable
organizations there is.
They give to all those in need.
It is the American Red Cross that people need to think
long and hard before giving to. The Red Cross has had
the audacity to charge our military personnel for a cup
of coffee during war time.
The Red Cross doesn't see a dime of my money, but
I give generously to the Salvation Army, and I urge
others to do so.
Reply
11-16-2008 @ 11:43AM
lori said...
YOU'RE NUTS TO GIVE TO THE SALVATION ARMY. THEY CHARGE PEOPLE TO STAY AT THEIR FACILITIES, I KNOW BECAUSE I STAYED THERE. THEY ALSO GET $30,000 FOR EVERY PERSON WHO COMPLETE'S THEIR DRUG & ALCOHOL TREATMENT PROGRAM. ALSO THEY SERVE OUTDATED & UNDERCOOKED FOOD. I HAVE SEEN PEOPLE GO TO THE HOSPITAL FOR FOOD POISONING BECAUSE OF IT. ALSO THEIR EMPLOYEE'S EMBEZZLE MONEY, AS THEY POCKET THE CASH THE HOMELESS PAY ($8-$10 NIGHTLY) TO STAY THERE NIGHTLY. WHEN I STAYED AT THE SALVATION ARMY I WAS CHARGED $10 A NIGHT (IN THEIR TLC PROGRAM).
11-16-2008 @ 11:42AM
LORI said...
90 % OF THE MONEY THEY RECEIVE GOES TO ADMINISTRATIVE COSTS, AND 10% GOES TO HELPING THE HOMELESS.
11-16-2008 @ 11:40AM
Bob said...
Oh crap! That was always my excuse for not giving....."I only have credit cards. I don't carry cash."
Now I'm screwed...
Reply