Salvation Army Receives Surprise Boost
By: Jackie Smith
Updated: December 7, 2010
That famous Red Kettle that many of us have seen all over town got an unexpected boost recently.
An anonymous donor dropped a gold coin in one, valued at $700.
The biggest single donation in a kettle the Salvation Army in Midland has ever received.
The coin was wrapped up tightly in a one dollar bill.
This generous person obviously didn't want to be recognized, and just wanted to help.
The Salvation Army says the anonymous giver can be assured that the coin will be put to good use.
Kathy Williams rings her bell 9 hours each day 5 times a week.
She never expected to find that her bucket was unique.
"They told me I had a $700 gold coin in my bucket and it surprised me," said Kathy Williams.
The 1893 Liberty Gold Eagle $10 coin was neatly wrapped in a one dollar bill and dropped inside the kettle outside of Hobby Lobby on November 30th.
"We didn't know what it was at first, estimated currently its about seven hundred dollars," said Benjamin Lebow of the Salvation Army.
The coin is also a new record for the largest kettle donation.
Before this, the largest had been $100.
"They're assisting a lot of people that are in need, especially this time in the season," said Lebow.
The Red Kettle campaign, which started locally on November 15th, has brought in about $2,000 more than last year.
"I hope it gets to someone thats really in need," said Lonnie Green.
"Hope it goes to good causes with children. It's the ultimate gift being able to give," said Steven Jost.
"They dropped a piece of gold, they have a heart of gold," said Evelyn Wilkins.
With 13 kettles placed around town, Hobby Lobby has been the most successful.
Bringing in over $445 on Saturday alone.
Kathy says she will continue ringing her bell, in hopes that another gold coin might find its way in her shiny red bucket.
"It's just my job," said Kathy, "but I hope we make enough to help people out."
The Salvation Army says they are going to sell the coin and deposit the money in their Christmas program fund.
It will help programs like Angel Tree get gifts for children, food for families and other social services.
They hope that whoever put the coin in the kettle will be pleased to know how their money is being used.
