09 January 2015

     

Opening a kettle to count the money inside is becoming somewhat of a treasure hunt. This Christmas season, we were surprised to receive a few unusual items in kettles throughout the Northwest.

Three locations received shiny gold coins – Helena, MT; Spokane, WA, and Seattle (north Seattle near Greenwood). Each one-ounce coin is valued at about $1,200.

Gold coins hadn’t been received in recent history in Helena and Seattle, but The Salvation Army in Spokane has now received a gold coin for six consecutive years. Every year, a donor drops a 22-karat South African Krugerrand wrapped in a $100 bill.

“It’s a boost for our campaign,” Major Steve Ball told the local newspaper, The Spokesman Review. “It’s money for the poor, but it also brings a sense of joy to our staff and volunteers.”

In Kent, WA, south of Seattle, a donor dropped a pair of gold wedding rings in a kettle. They are most likely a men’s band (solid gold) and a woman’s band (decorated with small diamonds).

In all cases, unusual donations such as gold coins and jewelry are appraised and sold, with the value added to the annual kettle campaign. Each year, The Salvation Army relies on annual Christmas red kettle campaign to help fund year-round programs.

“There’s no explanation other than generosity,” suggests Lt. Rob Lawler of Helena, MT. “These rare donations are probably items that people have saved at their home, and decide that The Salvation Army can put it to good use.”

Since these unusual donations are typically anonymous, there’s no way to determine the motive of the donor. And, sadly, there is no way to thank them. “I wish I could thank the donor directly, but their identity is a mystery. We’ll thank them through our continued work in the community,” said Lt. Lawler.

---

Help The Salvation Army Care For Others Throughout The Year And All Around The World

The continued work of The Salvation Army relies on the generosity of donors. If you would like to help us provide programs such as shelters for those affected by domestic violence or homelessness, food banks and nutrition programs, as well as other vital services, please consider making an online donation today. Your donation will stay within your community to fund much-needed community programs for those in need. Every donation you make helps The Salvation Army continue "Doing The Most Good" today and in the future.

Click HERE to make a donation. Thank you!

---

Other News You Might Have Missed

16 December 2014	The Salvation Army's International Leaders & Pope Francis Share In Prayer At The Vatican
16 December 2014	2014 Problem Solvers Toy Drive Is A Success
02 December 2014	Seattle Times Story: Salvation Army fills Needy Kids’ Backpacks With Food And Hope
21 November 2014	The Salvation Army Employs Rural Artisans Around The World To Produce Quality Goods
14 November 2014	Downtown Seattle Ad Campaign Reaches People Who Need Help