Anonymous gold coin donations boosts Christmas charity

anonymous-gold-coin-donations-boosts-christmas-charity

Anonymous gold coin donations boosts Christmas charity

December 21, 2011 76 view(s)

A Salvation Army representative ringing a bell by his iconic red collection bucket has become part of a traditional Christmas setting in the United States. The Salvation Army has been placing red kettles on sidewalks during the holidays since 1891 to provide Christmas meals to the needy.

When most people pass a red kettle going into the grocery store or walking to work, they donate a quarter or a couple of dollars. However, during the last few years, gold coins have also been anonymously donated. In Carlisle, Pennsylvania, a 1884 $5 U.S. gold coin valued at $385 was donated to the Salvation Army , according to Cumberlink, a local news source.

"I think it's just wonderful. People give from the heart, and being anonymous is just an extra touch," explained a Salvation Army administrator, Maureen Mahr.

An even larger gold coin donation was made to the Salvation Army Fort Collins. This Colorado branch received an anonymous gold coin donation that was worth an astounding $1,600. The coin was a South African gold piece known as a Krugerrand. According to  The Coloradoan, this is the 13th year that a Krugerrand coin has been donated in the area.

The man who annually donates the Krugerrand coin always buys the coin back from the local store and chips in a little extra, reports the news outlet.

A gold Krugerrand coin was also donated in a Gettysburg, Pennsylvania Salvation Army Bucket. This coin was worth even more than the others, and is valued at $1,700. The Washington Post says that this location has also enjoyed this surprise for several years, but no one knows who makes the annual donation.

Thanks to the anonymous gold coin donations at these locations this holiday season, families across America will enjoy a little Christmas miracle.