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Donations given to the Salvation Army at the red kettle this season will be matched again this year thanks to a donor.

Kettles are in place at Hy-Vee, Walmart and Bomgaars, with the opportunity to “Tap to Give” at both Hy-Vee and Bomgaars.

“Tap to Give” stations have software that scans people’s phones and credit cards similar to the card readers at cash registers at stores or banks. People can use it to donate $5, $10 or $20. Donating more is also welcome.

The Salvation Army’s goal before the match for this year’s red kettle season is $70,000. The ultimate goal is to have $140,000 by the end of the season.

As of Tuesday, the Salvation Army posted on its Facebook page that it had raised about $3,090, or 4.4% of the $70,000 kettle goal.

With only roughly one-third of its total hours booked thus far for bell-ringing, the Salvation Army announced Tuesday it is looking to hire reliable people to supplement volunteers ringing bells at the kettles. Ringers must be flexible and available to go to any of the kettle locations. There is no bell-ringing on Sundays.

Angel Tree program

If people would like to purchase toys for the organization’s Angel Tree program, they can visit the gift registry at https://www.walmart.com/registry/RR/0d89e120-7844-43f1-ae09-611d47f5c855.

The program provides toys and clothing to over 800 children annually in Freeborn County.

The deadline for toy donations is Dec. 11.