GAINESVILLE -

     The holiday shopping season is in full swing  - but with more people carrying plastic than cash - has the final bell tolled on the Salvation Army red kettle tradition?

     Debit card readers could be installed in Gainesville a year from now.

     The Salvation Army has been trying out different techniques in larger cities and are still assessing the affect of card readers on donations.

     While they are still streamlining the device they want to use, Lt. Preston Lewis from the Gainesville Salvation Army says online donations are on the rise, and that could be in part due to the lack of cold hard cash.

       "Not having money on them and just a debit card, we don't know if that is why their has been an increase in online donations, but there has been an increase, and we know that may be the case."

     The organization does say that despite it all - they still receive the bulk of their donations from the red kettles.

     They are still looking for bell ringers for this holiday season if you are interested in volunteering.

If you wish to volunteer for this service or many other services The Salvation Army provides throughout the year:

 -Send an email to Preston Lewis at: preston_lewis@uss.salvationarmy.org

-Or visit the office on University Avenue or call: (352) 376-1743