The Salvation Army bell-ringing is as much an expected part of the holiday season as department store Christmas music and the seasonal flavors at Starbucks. Because so many people roll cash-free these days, this is the first year the organization is experimenting with accepting debit and credit card donations. The standard red kettle will still play a role in holding cash contributions, but five bell-ringers in El Paso County, CO will also have the ability to swipe cards. What do you think of this charitable development, is it brilliant or baffling?
Brilliant or Baffling: Salvation Army Accepting Credit Card Donations
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I think that is kind of odd, but maybe that's just me.
1It might be a little odd, but it does open up a new avenue for collecting donations. I know more people are switching to cash-only, but I hate carrying cash like that (I don't feel safe), so I use a debit card. I'd definitely consider using this method.
And come tax time, when you need to verify how much you donated to charity (if you want to use the tax break), you'll have proof b/c the donations will show up on your bank statement!
2i think that it makes a lot of sense to be honest with you. now that technology is so much more advanced, i think that it's a good thing that they are allowing people to adapt their habits and still give in the spirit of the holidays.
3it's weird but if you want to give and don't have change, why not?
4yeah and if you want to give and don't have change, you're probably going to give more with a card --- most people prob aren't going to give $0.50 with a card!
5Why not, now you can even pay for parking meters with credit/debit, small charges aren't a big deal. Although, you have to remember that with credit card purchases some of your donation is going to cover the credit card fees.
6Easier to track donation then? Tax write off?
7well since most people including myself, dont carry cash much anymore its a good move.
8I can understand that it is a new way to still collect donations in a time where many people do not carry cash, myself included for the most part as well, but I'm not sure about it..
9It's a chance to bring in more donations so why not give it a shot. I personally would rather just dump in all the spare change weighing down my wallet, but to each their own.
10umm, i'd be too scared of someone stealing my information. I mean anyone can be a Santa for the Red Cross so what's to stop them from attaching a scanner to the machine and capturing your info? n o thanks, i usually see them by grocery stores and i usually give a $1 on my way out.
11I guess it could be a good idea, but it depends on how much The Salvation Army gets charged for transactions. And most people aren't going to put $0.50-$1.00 on their card. Heck, most of the time, I just put my change in... sometimes it's $0.10... sometimes it's a buck or two. Seems to me sticking to cash would be easier.
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