1st Gold Coin Of Season Left In St. Charles Red Kettle

ST. CHARLES, IL — The first gold coin of the holiday season was dropped into a Salvation Army kettle in St. Charles.

A generous donor left the 1-ounce fine gold South African Krugerrand in a kettle outside the Blue Goose Market, 300 S. Second St., on Monday. The donation came with a note: “Merry Christmas to some that need it."

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The coin is worth an estimated $1,800 to $1,900 and will help fund the programs and services at The Salvation Army Tri-City Corps Joe K Anderson Community Center, according to a news release.

"We are so grateful for this generous donation that will help to make sure hope marches on this holiday season for our neighbors who are still feeling the financial impacts of the pandemic," said Lt. Scott Smith, officer at The Salvation Army St. Charles Corps. "This gift, along with all the donations made at the Red Kettles, will help families stay in their homes, keep the heat on, and provide a warm and loving meal."

The Salvation Army’s red kettle campaign dates back to 1891 in San Francisco. Gold and silver coins donated to the Salvation Army red kettles have become a much-anticipated holiday tradition of giving throughout the Metropolitan Division’s service area, according to a news release.

As millions of Americans are still experiencing the ongoing impacts of the pandemic as they struggle to recover and stay in their homes, the Salvation Army has seen a significant increase in the need for rental and utilities assistance and food.

As part of the organization's Hope Marches On Christmas campaign, which includes the iconic red kettles, the Salvation Army is focused on ensuring essential needs are met for those in need in northeastern Illinois, the greater Chicago area and northwest Indiana.

More information on The Salvation Army’s Hope Marches On Christmas campaign can be found online.

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