The jingle of coins hitting those Salvation Army red kettles set a record to the tune of $147.6 million this year.
The charity's Red Kettle Campaign set a record for the seventh year in a row, earning $5.6 million, or 4 percent, more in donations compared to 2010, according to a press release.
The money funds social services such as organizations that provide substance abuse rehabilitation, fight human trafficking and provide opportunities for underserved youth.
Online red kettles were also a huge source of donations, earning $1.7 million in 2011, compared to $1.6 million in 2010, according to the release.
"Technology is changing the way charities raise money," said Commissioner William Roberts, National Commander of The Salvation Army, in the release. Whether through a credit card at a kettle or online, we're making an effort to reach the next generation of donors and make it convenient for people to support the campaign."
The Salvation Army also tested the use of credit card payments at red kettle sites, the New York Times reported.
Sprint Nextel had donated Android smartphones equipped with a credit card reader allowing donors to contribute with a quick swipe of their card on the spot.
One Salvation Army volunteer also broke another record this year: A San Francisco man spent more than 36 hours calling for donations using his trusty bell, breaking a world record, according to the San Francisco Chronicle.
Still, it wasn't just a season of easy money. The record donations came amid a year of very public backlash, when LGBT groups called for shoppers to forgo donating to the organization due to its conservative views of homosexuality.
Check out volunteer and donation opportunities with the Salvation Army here.
See the infographic below for more donation information.