Salvation Army to accept debit cards

Salvation Army to accept debit cards North Bay's annual Salvation Army Christmas Kettle campaign will make it easier to donate this year.

The North Bay Salvation Army is adding a little technology to a well-known holiday fundraiser.

For the first time, the organization's Christmas Kettle campaign will include a number of debit machines.  The hope is to make the process of donating easier.

According to the Salvation Army, in past years, people would apologetically explain they didn't have any cash or change to make a contribution.

“There will be a debit machine at the Independent store, one at Walmart, one at Canadian Tire. And about halfway through, we are going to switch that one. So, hoping this is going to be a good thing and is going to help us reach our goal of $150,000.” said North Bay Salvation Army Major Bonita McGory.

Money collected will stay in the North Bay area, supporting various programs run by the church, including its food bank, a back-to-school program, and the Sunday evening meal.