Brenda Smith and her husband have been volunteering for the Salvation Army for years, but this season they're getting something in return to help them through the tough economic times.

The Smiths are each making about $7.50 an hour. Captain Greg Davis with the Salvation Army said this is the organizations way of getting more bell ringers out in the community after doubling the number of kettle locations in the area.

"Last year, we raised $175,000 and this year our goal is $350,000," Davis said.

And in order to do this, the organization is also going cashless in some locations.

"You can swipe your card to be able to give," Davis said.

Throughout the year, they have been serving more people, and this holiday season is no exception.

The Salvation Army has seen a 19 percent increase in the number of children that will benefit from the holiday program.

"This year we're already taken applications for 5,330 children. That's 1,000 more kids than last year," Davis said.

The Smiths said the most important part of the program is helping others.

"To make a lot of families happy, especially children," Smith said.

But it also helps them make ends meet.

The credit card donations will be available at four locations; the Wal-Mart in Cary at 2010 Kildaire Farm Road and in Raleigh at 6600 Glenwood Avenue. Also, at the Triangle Town Center and the Cameron Village Harris Teeter.

The cashless donations will begin the day after Thanksgiving.