RICHMOND, VA. -
The Salvation Army's Red Kettle campaign collected over $367,000 last year for needy families in Central Virginia.
That could be a difficult level to reach this year, although Army leaders say they hope to surpass that goal. One change that could help is the introduction of plastic: credit cards are now accepted at select locations.
As of last weekend volunteers fanned out across the Commonwealth, for the Red Kettle Campaign. The program provides food and shelter for needy families. And while it's a blessing for some it's an opportunity for others, who may target bell ringing volunteers.
From 9am to 7pm, Viola Brooks spends her time as a bell ringer for the Salvation Army. She's been doing it for 5 years. "I do it every year to help out.," said Volunteer Viola Brooks
The group says Kettle Bells are ringing a hopeful tune, even if this Holiday season isn't looking too bright.
The Salvation Army is accepting credit cards to help boost donations in a tough economic year.
And its not just giving that's a concern,
"Some people sometime they just walk around like they going to grab the kettle but nobody did that they just look suspicious to me. So, I would take it off go in there and take it to the customer service desk," said Viola Brooks
"All of our kettles are locked and we have safety precautions in place to make sure our bell ringers and our staff are safe throughout the season," said Salvation Army Captain Natalie Sayre.
A season of giving for some and stealing from others.
But Salvation Army officials say not to worry.
"Police tend to know when we're out and things like that and we do tell the police some of our movements. We find police kind of strolling around us more than they would normally," said Captain Sayre.
And despite who could be watching and waiting, shoppers tell CBS 6, they'll continue to open their hearts and wallets.
"I've done it for years, as soon as I go inside, I come out and give them my change. I've always done it," said Daniel Watkins.
Other shoppers tell CBS 6, they don't mind giving as long as it's in the daytime and not at night.
Salvation Army officials say they had two incidents last year involving stolen kettles and they tell CBS 6, they don't see that happening again.
That could be a difficult level to reach this year, although Army leaders say they hope to surpass that goal. One change that could help is the introduction of plastic: credit cards are now accepted at select locations.
As of last weekend volunteers fanned out across the Commonwealth, for the Red Kettle Campaign. The program provides food and shelter for needy families. And while it's a blessing for some it's an opportunity for others, who may target bell ringing volunteers.
From 9am to 7pm, Viola Brooks spends her time as a bell ringer for the Salvation Army. She's been doing it for 5 years. "I do it every year to help out.," said Volunteer Viola Brooks
The group says Kettle Bells are ringing a hopeful tune, even if this Holiday season isn't looking too bright.
The Salvation Army is accepting credit cards to help boost donations in a tough economic year.
And its not just giving that's a concern,
"Some people sometime they just walk around like they going to grab the kettle but nobody did that they just look suspicious to me. So, I would take it off go in there and take it to the customer service desk," said Viola Brooks
"All of our kettles are locked and we have safety precautions in place to make sure our bell ringers and our staff are safe throughout the season," said Salvation Army Captain Natalie Sayre.
A season of giving for some and stealing from others.
But Salvation Army officials say not to worry.
"Police tend to know when we're out and things like that and we do tell the police some of our movements. We find police kind of strolling around us more than they would normally," said Captain Sayre.
And despite who could be watching and waiting, shoppers tell CBS 6, they'll continue to open their hearts and wallets.
"I've done it for years, as soon as I go inside, I come out and give them my change. I've always done it," said Daniel Watkins.
Other shoppers tell CBS 6, they don't mind giving as long as it's in the daytime and not at night.
Salvation Army officials say they had two incidents last year involving stolen kettles and they tell CBS 6, they don't see that happening again.
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