Wednesday, 22nd November 2006 (3956 views)

An anonymous benefactor donated a valuable gold coin to the Salvation Army in a most unusual way.

Apparently the same man appears every year to give generously to the charity which helps low-income and homeless people.

This year he dropped a $25 (£13) gold coin into one of the charity's red kettles in the town of Moline, Iowa.

The value of the coin is equal to half an ounce of gold which is worth some $320 (£167).

Major Barbara Shiels, who helps run the Red Kettle campaign, told the local newspaper Quad City Times: "These coins are like gold from heaven and they always bring excitement to the Kettle Campaign.

"We love discovering the gold coins when we count up the day's proceeds and we are so grateful to the donor."

Last year's donation drive reached a total of £450,000 which helps the Salvation Army by paying a third of its annual budget.

Jewellery and gold coins as well as gold teeth are becoming more popular donations and last year 50 gold rings and teeth were put in the red kettles.

They are sold to jewellers with the money helping poor people throughout the US.

 

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