We found two gold coins inside a kettle - now we are $6,000 better off thanks to 'creative' decision
THE Corps Officer of a Salvation Army has spoken out after two gold coins worth thousands were discovered in two different donation pots.
Every year the charity launches a campaign around Christmas time to raise money for those in need.
This is often signified by the Salvation Army's iconic red kettles.
As the EVERYTHING COUNTS campaign was launched in Rockford, Illinois - about an hour northwest of Chicago - an anonymous donor came up with a "creative" way to give money.
Two gold coins were found in two separate red kettles on December 18.
According to the charity, the coins will see around $6,000 donated toward its Christmas campaign.
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"I love that people just give the way that they can give and sometimes it's time and sometimes it's money," Major Monty Wandling told local CBS affiliate WIFR-LD.
"Sometimes it's giving our attention, paying attention to people, understanding what is going on and taking time to listen.
"Hopefully, again this just inspires people to be creative in how they can help."
One of the coins is a 1999 American Gold Eagle Bullion Coin which if genuine, could fetch between $300 and $2,200, JM Bullion states.
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The other is a 1976 one-ounce South African Gold Krugerrand valued at around $2,200.
The red kettles emerged on the streets in November and the program ended on December 23.
"At a time when many local residents are being impacted by the financial pressures of inflation, food insecurity, and unstable housing, the funds raised will help provide critical resources, hope, and love to thousands year-round," the Salvation Army states.
"Our pantry services were up 180% over the summer, and approximately 30% of those were brand new families that have never come to us for assistance before," Wandling states on the website.
The Salvation Army Winnebago County has a 2023 Red Kettle Campaign goal of raising $182,500.
Last year, the campaign helped thousands of families including providing management assistance for over 12,500 people who needed emergency help with rent or utility bills, and 4,730 families were given money for groceries and personal care products.
In addition to this, 1,530 children were able to wake up to a Christmas gift thanks to the money raised by the campaign.
As of December 19, the Salvation Army was roughly $22,000 away from its goal.
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