DES MOINES, Iowa -- Salvation Army bell ringers aren't hearing the clang of coins as much this year. Credit and debit cards are so widely used that many customers don't carry cash anymore.

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So far, kettles have brought in just $97,000 in the Des Moines area.

"That's only about 40 percent of our goal," said Tom Williams of the Salvation Army.

Kent Whitmore is one of 6,000 volunteers in Polk County, Iowa, for the charity. Volunteers ring bells six days a week, 12 hours a day, trying to raise money for the needy.

"Everything helps, the dimes, nickels, pennies, they all add up," Whitmore said. "A lot of them that don't (donate) just walk by and don't say anything one way or another."

Donations are down, but the need for them is still high. Parents are stopping by the Des Moines Salvation Army to receive food for a Christmas meal and toys for Christmas morning.

"This makes our kids' Christmas so wonderful," said Eric Markham, who lost his job this year. "It's been a tough year for us."

If you missed your chance with the bell ringers, you can donate by credit card online. Visit salvationarmyusa.org.