East Mississippi residents will soon hear ringing bells and see the iconic red kettles outside stores in their area after The Salvation Army Meridian on Friday launched its annual Red Kettle Campaign.

The annual program is the largest fundraiser for The Salvation Army, with the money raised from the kettles staying in the community to provide programs and services during the upcoming year. This year, The Salvation Army Meridian hopes to raise $75,000 to fund its work.

Lt. Roy Fisher, commanding officer of The Salvation Army Meridian, said this year’s Red Kettle Campaign will see the addition of two new ways to give. Each kettle will have a “tip tap” to accept donations via credit and debit card or via Apple, Google or Samsung pay, he said.

“You do not have a reason to say you can’t donate at the kettles because we have gone digital this year,” he said.

Residents will be able to tap their card or smartphone against a $5, $10 or $20 pad to instantly donate that amount toward the Red Kettle Campaign.

Another new feature this year will be The Salvation Army’s Empty Stocking campaign. A QR code to give through that program will also be featured on the Red Kettle Stands in the coming weeks, Fisher said.

“In today’s society, no one carries cash anymore, and so we wanted to make sure you do have the opportunity to give,” he said.

For this year’s Red Kettle Campaign, The Salvation Army has partnered with the Miss Volunteer America program to help promote the multitude of volunteer opportunities at the organization throughout the holiday season.

Mississippi native and Miss Volunteer America Hannah Perrigin attended Friday’s kickoff and spoke about the importance of giving back to the community.

“We may not have the money to donate, but we have our time,” she said.

Perrigin said she got involved with The Salvation Army Red Kettle Campaign while competing in Mississippi pageants and was grateful for the opportunity to use her national title to bring new attention to the work the organization does in the local community.

To learn more about The Salvation Army, ways to donate or how to get involved, visit salvationarmyalm.org