Donors who lack change for the Salvation Army’s red kettles now will have another option in this city. They can charge it.

The Salvation Army will accept credit card donations starting today in the Akron area. It’s an experiment being closely watched by the charity’s national organization.

“We expect to have several next year, and then they will spread around the Salvation Army world,” said Maj. Frank Kirk of the Akron branch. “We’re already getting calls. It’s something that makes sense.”

The standard red kettle stays, but it’s linked to a magnetic strip reader that allows donors to enter credit cards. Donors punch in the required numbers and contribution amount. A receipt feeds out of the coin slot in the red kettle.

A regular kettle will be placed alongside for old-fashioned cash.

Kirk said the credit arrangement should prompt people to donate even if they don’t have cash, and they may give more if they are charging the donation.

The innovation also will reduce the risk of thefts against bell ringers, he said.

The credit card kettle was the product of a brainstorming session by Salvation Army volunteers.

An Akron computer consultant devised the kettle and donated the one being used mostly at an Akron mall. He hopes to sell the $3,000 devices to other Salvation Army units.