LOUISVILLE, Ky. — This week, The Salvation Army received somewhat of a "Christmas Miracle" when a gold coin valued at over $2,000 was found in a red kettle outside of a Louisville Walmart.
Every year, volunteers often dressed as elves and Santa stand in front of businesses and collect donations to be donated to The Salvation Army. This year, just days before Christmas, an anonymous donor dropped a one-ounce gold coin in the red kettle outside of the Bashford Manor Walmart.
In addition to the beautiful Canadian Maple Leaf gold coin donated in the red kettle, this year has seen additional rare coins being dropped into the red kettles including four silver Eisenhower Liberty Bell Silver One dollar US Bicentennial Coins.
“It’s always a wonderful surprise to find one and truly speaks to the generosity of the Louisville community," Major Mark Hunter said. "It doesn’t always happen in Louisville, but when it does, we celebrate this gift because it’s a true blessing, especially with the campaign set to end on Christmas eve.”
As of Thursday, The Salvation Army reported they are about $100,000 short of their $500,000 goal. Community members can continue to donate to the more than 60 red kettles outside of Kroger, Walmart, Sam's Club, Cabela's and Hobby Lobby locations around Louisville through Christmas Eve.
You can also give online on The Salvation Army website or mail a check to the following address: The Salvation Army Red Kettle, 911 S. Brook Street, Louisville KY 40203.
“Most people will think of The Salvation Army as bell ringing and red kettles at Christmas, but fewer know the role we play in this community serving neighbors in need year-round with nourishment, shelters, compassion, and spiritual care," Hunter said. “Fighting poverty is a year-round challenge, and the funds that we raise during the Christmas season will impact how many people we can help in the coming year,” said Major Hunter.
Make it easy to keep up-to-date with more stories like this. Download the WHAS11 News app now. For Apple or Android users.
Have a news tip? Email assign@whas11.com, visit our Facebook page or Twitter feed.