East Mississippi residents will have another way to give this holiday season as The Salvation Army Meridian adds a digital donation option to its annual Red Kettle Campaign.

In a news release, Roy Fisher, commanding officer of The Salvation Army Meridian, said fewer residents are carrying cash, and that is reflected in the funds raised by the Red Kettle Campaign. By adding a digital option, more residents will be able to participate in the annual fundraiser and help support those in need in their communities.

The digital donation option will be available on select kettles this year, with devices for $5, $10 and $20 donations. Residents will be able to select one or more of the devices and tap their credit/debit card or phone to use Samsung, Apple or Google pay and wait for the beep, Fisher said.

Those wishing to donate more can always tap multiple times.

The Salvation Army Meridian is also introducing its Empty Stocking Campaign this year, Fisher said. Funds raised from the campaign will go to support a variety of programs the organization offers throughout the year, including Pathway of Hope, Client Choice Marketplace and more. The programs are built around a goal of helping individuals build stability that they can then use to grow.

Funds from both the Red Kettle Campaign and the Empty Stocking Campaign stay in the local community to directly fund The Salvation Army programs, provide thousands of meals and give assistance to hundreds of families, children and seniors throughout the east Mississippi region.

“Thank you for your continued support of the work of The Salvation Army Meridian, proudly serving Lauderdale, Kemper, Neshoba and Newton counties,” Fisher said. “With the public’s generosity, The Salvation Army will continue to provide help and hope to individuals and families in need.”

As the holiday season approaches, The Salvation Army Meridian is gearing up for the launch of another longstanding program. First held in 1979, the annual Angel Tree program will kick off Wednesday at Citizens National Bank in downtown. The program helps provide Christmas gifts to children and seniors in need across the east Mississippi area, with more than 500 angels registered to receive gifts.

Residents will be able to choose an angel from an angel tree, which provides information such as clothing size, age, gender and any needs or wants. The information is anonymous, with each angel identified by a number.

Gifts purchased for an angel are returned to The Salvation Army, which distributes them in time to be opened on Christmas Day.

For more information about The Salvation Army Meridian or how to get involved, visit southernusa.salvationarmy.org/ala-lou-mis/meridian or call 601-483-6156.