Charitable giving goes high-tech: Ways to give

If you're short on pocket change, don't let that stop you from donating to a charity this holiday season.

Giving is evolving with digital technology, Bridget Carey, senior editor of CNET.com, said on "The Early Show."

Charities, she said, are beginning to respond to changes in technology by offering options. The Salvation Army, for instance, has installed card readers for credit transactions at collection kettles in select cities.

"The famous red kettles, the bell ringers, some of them are taking credit cards only in select places. It's simple. You hand them your card and they will pull out their phone, stick this white device into the headset jack, it's called a Square, and swipe the card on it. When it's time for you to sign, you sign your finger on the touch screen," Carey said.

In addition, charities are turning to text messaging, as well, for contributions. The American Red Cross and Salvation Army, as well as local groups and churches, are adding text contributions to their giving campaigns. The charge shows up on your phone bill, Carey said.

Carey pointed out the changes are warranted because Americans are carrying less cash, according to a study conducted by Aite Group LLC, a financial research and consulting firm. The study found that in 2010, people carried three percent less cash, and by 2015, Americans will carry overall $200 billion less in their pockets.

For more on the high-tech changes to charitable giving, watch Carey's full interview in the video above.