Photo Courtesy of Salvation Army

Salvation Army bell ringers discovered gold in a Red Kettle in Rockford during the final days of the annual fundraising campaign. 

A 1000 Shilling Austrian gold coin was dropped in a kettle outside the Schnucks location at 6410 E. State  Street on Tuesday, December 22. The coin, worth about $750 and will go towards helping fund local programs and services.  

This is the second gold item donated in the Red Kettles in Winnebago County this season. An anonymous donor also dropped a 10-ounce silver bar in a kettle last month. 

“This donor, and each person who has contributed to the Red Kettles, is making a  difference in the lives of our neighbors in need,” said Major Mark Martsolf, Winnebago  County Coordinator for The Salvation Army. “We know the need has been unparalleled in 2020, and we expect it to continue well into 2021.” 

The donation is greatly appreciated as The Salvation Army Winnebago County has seen a  fivefold increase in need this year. Donations to the Red Kettles will fund programs and services all year long, including food pantries and emergency financial assistance. 

Despite the public’s generosity, kettle donations in Winnebago County have fallen approximately fourteen percent this year. The Christmas campaign is integral to the mission of The Salvation Army. Seventy percent of the division’s donations are received during the Christmas season. 

However, donors still have time to help. While the Red Kettles will only be out through  Christmas Eve, The Salvation Army’s Christmas Campaign runs through January 31, 2021. 

Donations can be made online at www.salarmyrockford.org/kettle or by sending a check  to The Salvation Army Winnebago County, P.O. Box 4159 Rockford, Illinois 61110 

 

About The Salvation Army 

The Salvation Army annually helps more than 23 million Americans overcome poverty, addiction and economic hardships through a range of social services. By providing food for the hungry,  emergency relief for disaster survivors, rehabilitation for those suffering from substance use disorders, and clothing and shelter for people in need, The Salvation Army is doing the most good at  7,600 centers of operation around the country. 

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