The Renton Salvation Army is catching up with technology by being the first in the area to introduce credit card readers at kettle stands.

“A lot of people don’t carry cash,” said captain Terry Masango, who pushed to get the machines. “We’re just following the trend of what is happening in the community.”

The five machines are now available at Renton hot spots, such as Fry’s Electronics and Fred Meyer.

For an organization trying to reach out to a younger generation of givers, cash-free giving was the solution.

“It’s a way of trying to reach out to a generation that doesn’t write checks,” Masango said. “This is the future.”

The Salvation Army is known for having bell ringers collecting change in red kettles during the holidays outside popular shopping centers.

The credit card machines are an addition to the traditional red kettles for those who don’t carry cash.

“We want to make it easier for people to give,” Masango said.

The credit card reader is wireless, meaning it doesn’t store credit card numbers. It also produces a receipt.

“It’s actually pretty easy,” said bell ringer Lisa Martin, adding that people have been positive about the Salvation Army’s decision to catch up with technology.

A successful electronic kettle can raise three to four times as much money, Masango said.

However, it’s taking Renton time to familiarize itself with the change.

The machines cost about $700 each, but Masango hopes it will pay off this year.

The Renton Salvation Army is also offering online kettles.

“They can either give online or they can use their bank card,” Masango said.

Volunteers can setup online kettle accounts, and set goals for raising support. The volunteers then send e-mails requesting donations.

All of the money goes to a donator’s Salvation Army of choice.