INDIANAPOLIS — Christmas is the season of giving, and a surprising donation was recently discovered in the Red Kettle at a Plainfield Walmart store.
Salvation Army volunteers are busy counting and sorting donations at the end of each bell-ringing day, often when they don’t expect them.
Donations made at Central Indiana Red Kettle last week: at least $2,000 worth of gold coins.
The $50 gold American Eagle coin was found in a kettle outside the Plainfield Walmart on East Main Street last week. It was among other bills and coins donated throughout the day.
“We believe that every donation we receive, whether it’s a penny or a $100 bill, involves some level of sacrifice,” said Maj. David Martinez of the Salvation Army’s Eagle Creek Corps Community Center. “We see this as another opportunity to thank God that our community has recognized us as worthy of such generosity.”
The coin will support Eagle Creek Corps programs and services in 2024, and the Salvation Army will authenticate the coin before it is sold.
According to American Hartford Gold, the gold price as of December 11 was $1,994.83 per ounce.
Maj. Rachel Stauder, Central Indiana regional commander, added, “Receiving a gift like this in a kettle really means double for us.” “We are grateful not only for the monetary value, but also for the morale boost that comes from receiving such a valuable sacrifice from a caring donor. Central Indiana truly has the best people. .”
The Salvation Army of Central Indiana says this isn’t the first time they’ve donated the precious coins. In 2022, five coins made of silver, gold, and platinum were dropped into a kettle in central Indiana.
Their total value was $1,800.
The annual Red Kettle Campaign has a goal of raising $3.6 million through Red Kettles in central Indiana. Earlier this year, bells began ringing at various locations including Kroger, Cabela’s, Walgreens, Walmart, Sam’s Club, Needler’s Fresh Market, Hobby Lobby and Simon Mall.
All donations dropped between November and December 23rd will be given to help those in need throughout Central Indiana.
Anyone wishing to find out more information about supporting the Salvation Army until 2024 can visit their website.