HIGHLANDS RANCH, Colo. — A mystery donor dropped a gold Krugerrand coin into a Salvation Army Red Kettle at a King Soopers store in Highlands Ranch, according to the nonprofit.
The coin and a note expressing appreciation for the organization were found in the red kettle at the store located at 2205 Wildcat Reserve Parkway over the weekend.
Last week, another coin was donated to a Salvation Army Red Kettle in Fort Collins. It's the 21st year that a mystery donor has donated a gold coin to a Red Kettle, and the third year in a row bell ringer Robert Thompson was ringing when the coin was donated, though he doesn’t know it when it happens.
The coin was donated to a red kettle at the Hobby Lobby at 4106 South College Ave on Dec. 16.
The donations come at a critical time for the agency, according to spokesperson Rachael Fowler. She said donations at red kettles are down nearly $280,000 in the Denver Metro area compared to this time last year.
Red kettles will be out through Christmas Eve, Fowler said.
All donations stay in the Denver Metro, according to Fowler, and help provide meals for families in need, Christmas toys for children and many other services throughout the year.
Their goal is to raise $2.2 million, and if that doesn't happen, Fowler said they could be forced to cut back services.
“We need Red Kettle donations to help people all year long,” said Major Mike Dickinson, Divisional Commander of The Salvation Army in Colorado.
“Right now, we need donations to bring the miracle of Christmas to those who are hungry, those who have lost their jobs, those who hope to give their children at least one toy on Christmas morning. But when Christmas is over, those people still face hunger, job loss, discouragement and we desperately want to help them all year long.”
If you see a red kettle, you can donate change, cash or checks. You can also donate with your smartphone at every kettle site using Kettle Pay.
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