TRIAD – With Halloween’s passing and Thanksgiving quickly approaching, area Salvation Army planning for the annual Red Kettle campaign is under way.

“We’re anticipating this coming season as the toughest yet,” said Capt. Tony Perez of The Salvation Army of High Point. “We are seeing decreased donations with increased need. We have had to come up with new ways to boost contributions.”

Those new opportunities include credit card machines that will be present at four of the High Point kettle locations, a first for the campaign. This allows individuals who do not carry cash to donate to the nonprofit organization.

A six-week commercial also will run at the Palladium theatres, and a partnership with Media General will allow for mobile text message donations. Viewers can text the word “DONATE” to: 82672, and their phone will receive a response that will enable them to make a donation.

“Hopefully, these new options for our donors will offset the challenges we face, mainly the minimum wage increase,” Perez said.

Around 2,500 bell ringers are needed to man the kettles for the five-week period. An official kettle kick-off will be held Nov. 20 at the Friendly Center in Greensboro. Kettles are at various locations throughout the Triad 10 a.m.-8 p.m Monday-Saturday.

Area businesses interested in sponsoring kettles can contact Anjani Webb at 881-5411. Individuals wishing to volunteer for the Salvation Army during the holiday season can call Laura Hayden at 881-5455 or visit the Web site at www.salvationarmycarolinas.org/highpoint.