INDIANAPOLIS -- Hoosiers short on cash or change will soon have an alternative when they pass by a Salvation Army kettle.

The organization's Indiana branch will be testing a swipe-card option to accommodate those with only plastic in their wallets, said Salvation Army of Indiana spokesman Mike Rowland.

The high-tech alternative is being tested in a few other cities, but Indiana would likely start with one or two of the kettles, possibly on Monument Circle.

Rowland stressed that the swipe-card system would not replace central Indiana's 140 bell ringers and traditional red kettles.

The Salvation Army of Indiana annual Tree of Lights fundraising campaign has a record goal of $3 million this year. Rowland said kettles alone are expected to raise $840,000 of that amount.