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It's become a familiar sound of the holiday season, the ringing of the Salvation Army bell.
But so far organizers say these red kettles are not filling up as fast as last year.
"What we're down is a sizable amount," said Major Russ Sjogren of the Salvation Army. "People don't carry as much cash as they used to they use plastic and the kettles only take cash and checks."
The Salvation Army provides toys, food and clothing for many families during the holiday season.
This mom says it would be difficult to provide for her family this holiday without the agency's help.
"My husband had a massive stroke," said Nura Likowski, Eastpointe. "Without Salvation Army kids would not have Christmas."
Monday through Christmas Eve, the money you give will be matched thanks to area businesses.
"We can now double your money when you put it into the kettle and if you text it any donation given will be doubled," said Sjogren.
The Salvation Army also needs more red kettle volunteers to ring bells
"We need volunteers to man in the last four days our kettles to put them out in force that way we can raise the most dollars," he said.
So the next time you see the red kettle, people who rely on services provided by the Salvation Army want you to know your donation is changing a life.
For more information or to donate online, go to http://salmich.org