Salvation Army encourages swiping at kettle locations

By J. PINKLEY, Star Tribune

Last update: November 12, 2009 - 9:34 AM

The Salvation Army kicked off its 2009 Kettle campaign today at Cub Foods on Silver Lake Road NE. in St. Anthony, and organizers are debuting credit card kettles.

Four machines will be tested - two at the Mall of America, one at Southdale and one at Ridgedale, according to the Salvation Army spokeswoman Annette Bauer.

The one problem with the machines is that they tend to freeze up in temperatures below 35 degrees.

"So we're going to try using charcoal handwarmers with them to keep them operating," Bauer said.

For the past two years, the machines have been tested in warmer climates, which is why the charity is starting with just four in this part of the country, Bauer said.

She added that the locations were chosen based on where people would be less likely to carry cash and where there is adequate shelter for the machines.

Today's celebration at the St. Anthony Cub Foods runs until 7 p.m. This year's kettle campaign runs until Dec. 24.

For more information, visit www.thesalarmy.org/news/11.04.09kickoff.htm .

--J. Pinkley • 612-673-4099