Salvation Army tests Easy Pay donation options at red kettles

SEATTLE — The next time you go shopping at a local store, you may come across a Salvation Army volunteer accepting donations at red kettles via Apple Pay or Google Pay.

The organization said it is testing out ways for Easy Pay options in four cities nationwide.

Seattle was selected along with New York City, Kansas City and Dallas.

The decision was based on community demographics which include technology users and charitable predisposition, officials with the organization said. During the holiday season, 200 red kettles are hosted throughout the greater Seattle area.

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"The more money we raise during the holiday season, the more neighbors we can help now and next year," Lt. Colonel Bill Dickinson, divisional commander of the Salvation Army in the Northwest said.

Officials with the organization said the initial response to the payment options has been good, but has resulted in a small percentage of the overall donations so far.

The organization said 60 percent of its total annual donations are received during November and December.

Officials said the organization uses the donations to help families in King County and provides Christmas assistance, food and shelter.

Cox Media Group