SHERMAN, Texas -- American shoppers are projected to spend 5 percent more this holiday season than in 2017. But the Salvation Army's Red Kettle campaign is falling behind in Grayson County.

"We're halfway there, but we've only got seven days left," said Maj. Tex Ellis, citing a current total of $55,000. "For the services we provide and the number of individuals that come to us for help, it takes this as part of our budget to last us throughout the year... not just at Christmastime."

Last year, bell-ringers posted outside retail shops collected around $90,000. Can they reach the 2018 target of $100,000?

"We're just having faith that the community is going to step up and help us get to that goal," Ellis said. "A lot of people don't carry cash, so we encourage them to give online, go to that website, or scan those QR codes at our kettles. It's a way you can give right there on your phone."

The Salvation Army is updating its tradition to keep up with the times, and to keep the familiar red kettles visible.

"It gives us an opportunity to explain to the general public what we do with this all year long," Ellis said.

And even if the Salvation Army fails to reach its 2018 goal, they aren't going anywhere.

"The red kettles have been going on for 125 years, so it's a tradition that's there and part of Christmas," Ellis pledged. "We'll be there as long as the public will have us out there."

The Salvation Army says it helps 25 million Americans every year. Its operations extend to 127 countries around the world.