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GLOVERSVILLE - The start of the holiday shopping season also means the familiar jingling of bells outside stores across the area.

Officials at the Salvation Army in Gloversville said the organization is always looking for more volunteers to ring a bell and collect money from generous passersby. While the latest in donation methods hasn't quite reached Gloversville, other bell ringers across the country are experimenting with a new payment method: credit cards.

Last year, Salvation Army officials tested card readers in Colorado Springs and Dallas. This year, they are trying it in more than 120 cities across the nation.

Capt. Debra Stedman, director of the Salvation Army in Gloversville, said her organization is not one of the cities test-driving credit card donations this year.

She said her organization always is looking for more volunteers. Since the Red Kettle Drive has only just begun, she said she is not sure how many volunteers Salvation Army has, but she said she expects it to be on par with last year.

Despite a lagging economy, Stedman said she has repeatedly been encouraged by the generosity of local residents.

"You would think the economy would affect the kettles. Part of me wants to think so, but the community is just so generous," she said. "Last year, we went over our goal by about $1,500."

The Army has set a goal of $24,000 this year and hopes to surpass it again, she said.

"But I'd love to just hit the goal mark," Stedman added.

Those who want to donate also can do so online, Stedman said.

At Price Chopper in Johnstown, Assistant Store Manager Karla Putman said Salvation Army is the only group the company allows to solicit donations outside the store.

Store officials feel the group's efforts are worthy and they are supportive of the volunteers, Putman added.

"We fully support it," she said. "[Price Chopper officials] think it's a great thing."

For more information or to donate, visit www.onlineredkettle.org or call the Gloversville branch at 725-4119.

Kayleigh Karutis covers Gloversville news. She can be reached at gloversville@leaderherald.com.