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It’s one of the quintessential sounds of Christmas: the jingle of coins as they hit the bottom of the Salvation Army kettle.

But the traditional sound will have a modern companion this year: the plastic clicks of a credit card in action.

This is the first year locally for what Salvation Army officials call the “cashless kettle.” It’s the same distinctive red kettle, but it’s equipped with a new touch.

“You’re going to be able to walk by and swipe your credit card,” said Tony Perez, head of the High Point Salvation Army.

It’s a way of allowing shoppers without pocket change or cash to make a quick donation. It’s also, potentially, a way to amplify charity: At $15, the average credit donation far exceeds the average cash gift of $2.

Locally, the credit card kettles are being rolled out in High Point, Winston-Salem and Asheboro.

Officials hope the kettle season, which kicked off Friday, meets what they describe as a growing need. Requests for help are up nearly 50 percent, as economic woes and unemployment create hardship.

“We’re seeing folks below the poverty lines for the first time in their life,” said Terry Israel, head of the Winston-Salem area Salvation Army.

The need involves more than 20,000 children in the Piedmont area, Israel said.

The money goes toward programs that provide food, shelter and clothing. The Salvation Army also has Christmas “angel trees” at locations including Hamrick’s, the Cracker Barrel near Interstate 40 and West Wendover Avenue, and Belk at Four Seasons Town Centre.

Officials say they need more volunteer bell-ringers to help with the drive. In some cases, they’ve had to resort to paid ringers, taking away funds that potentially could go to recipients.

“There is a joy in ringing the bell,” said Perez. “You know that you’re helping somebody that is in need.”

They’re also hoping to hear less of the traditional answer from nongivers: “I already gave.”

Bill Flynn, a radio show host and bell-ringer, said he once got curious enough to inquire a little further.

“I asked this guy, 'When did you give?’ And he said, '1997.’ ”

Contact Jason Hardin at 373-7021 or at jason.hardin@news-record.com