It's almost time for the Salvation Army's annual Red Kettle campaign – and now it'll be a lot easier to give back.

Shoppers can use their credit or debit card to donate. But still, volunteers are still gearing up to add their own personal touch, which they say is important.

"[Donations go] toward the programs we have here, Christmas assistance, food bank," said Plainfield’s Salvation Army Captain Jimmy Susa.

He says the need is greater than ever this year.

"In the Plainfield area, we have a good number of newcomers, new people arriving into town, mostly Hispanic," he said.

He says 800 kids are signed up to receive Christmas gifts through their Angel Tree program. That’s up from about 500 in years past. Also, more families are in need of food assistance.

The Red Kettle campaign starts on Black Friday morning.