$175 Gold Coin Turns Up Salvation Army Red Kettle

News release from Salvation Army:

GOLD COIN FOUND IN JOHNSON COUNTY RED KETTLE; HELPS BOOST THEM TO 22% TO THEIR CHRISTMAS GOAL OF $350,000

Johnson County – Earlier this month an employee at the Hills Bank & Trust on South Gilbert St in Iowa City discovered a gold coin while counting Red Kettles. Dean Oakes Coin & Currency, in Sycamore Mall, has noted that the 1/10 Krugerrand coin is worth $175.  

This is now the fifth year someone has donated a gold coin in one of the Red Kettles.  Last year a 1/10 ounce American Eagle was found.   “This is becoming a wonderful tradition here in Johnson County.  One we hope continues for many years to come,” said Lieutenant William Richardson of the Johnson County Salvation Army.

As of November 26^ththey have raised $75,749 of the $350,000 Christmas goal. Reaching this goal is extremely important because it equates to close to half of their annual budget.  Red Kettle efforts end on Christmas Eve, December 24^th. Mailed and online donations will be accepted through New Years though as people make those year end gifts.  

In the past month, two Red Kettles have been stolen from two Des  Moines Metro locations. Only one of the Kettles was thought to contain money, but the replacement cost for a kettle is about $300.

Red Kettles are located at the following places in Johnston:

Dahl's Food Store, 5440 NW 86th Street
Hy-Vee, 5750 Merle Hay Road

Learn more about how to volunteer by visiting the Salvation Army web site. As of Nov. 27, there are 7,897 volunteer slots available, more than twice the number that have been filled – 3,736. Individuals 14 and older are eligible. For information or assistance,  please call (515) 282-3599.

The Red Kettle campaign continues through Christmas Eve.