KANSAS CITY, MO - The Salvation Army is making it easier than ever to donate this holiday season. They're giving people the option of charging donations.

Beginning on Friday, 230 bell ringers with red kettles will be stationed across the metro. Ten of those in Kansas City will be equipped with credit card machines, but their locations have yet to be determined.

This year the Salvation Army is also providing an online kettle campaign that was first tested in Dallas in 2008.

The Salvation Army's fund-raising efforts began in 1891 and has grown into one of the most recognized charities in the United States.

It takes more than 25,000 volunteers to keep the Salvation Army rolling. Despite the troubled economy in 2008, they had a record year, raising more than $130 million dollars nationwide. The money provides food, clothing, toys and other help to nearly 30 million Americans.