4 Gold Coins Dropped Into Red Kettles In Crystal Lake Before XMas

MCHENRY COUNTY, IL — A total of four gold coins were dropped into a Salvation Army red kettle outside the Jewel-Osco in Crystal Lake just before Christmas, according to a Salvation Army news release. Two one-ounce Gold Eagle coins and two 1978 South Africa Krugerrand coins, all of which are valued at more than $5,700, were donated on Dec. 20 at the local grocery store on Northwest Highway.

In total, 11 gold coins were dropped into donation buckets spanning from Rockford to northwest Indiana over the holiday season, according to the news release.

Other donations included:

• A 1899 Double Eagle gold coin worth between $1,700 and $2,000, which was dropped off in a red kettle outside a Walmart in Hobart, Indiana, on Dec. 23.
• A 1- ounce Canada Gold Maple coin, worth between $1,600 to $1,700, which was dropped in a red kettle at The Salvation Army Joliet Corps on Dec. 24.
• A 1900 Liberty Head $5 gold coin valued at about $400 donated on Dec. 19 at Cabela's, 7700 Cabela Drive in Hammond, Indiana.
• A half-ounce $25 Gold Eagle coin valued at between $800 and $850 at the Scnuck's, 6410 East State Street in Rockford, on Dec. 20.
• Two 1980 one-ounce South Africa Krugerrand coins valued at about $1,550 each were donated on Dec. 21 at the Mariano's, 1900 S. Cumberland Avenue in Park Ridge.
• One 1983 one-ounce South Africa Krugerrand coin valued at $1,550 was donated at Strack & Van Til at 9632 Cline Avenue, Highland, Indiana, on Dec. 21.

Numerous silver coins and other objects of value have also been dropped in the red kettles and the gifts will help to ensure The Salvation Army can continue to provide a number of programs and services to individuals throughout the Chicagoland area, including family shelters, food pantries, homeless outreach, support services for survivors of human trafficking, children’s programs, emergency disaster services, and Christmas assistance, according to the news release.

“While we don’t know who the donors are, we do know the hope their gifts provide,” said Commissioner Barry Swanson, Divisional Commander for The Salvation Army Metropolitan Division. “These gifts help families seeking food to eat, somewhere safe to sleep, or help after a disaster. Our one goal is to deliver, in the name of Jesus, the gift of hope to every community, and we count on the continued support of our army of donors, volunteers, employees and partner agencies to do that. We accept with much gratitude these gifts, and every donation entrusted to us to serve our neighbors in need.”