Gold Coin Received In Red Kettle - Helena, MT
While sorting through the pile of coins after a big day of bell ringing on Saturday, December 13, Lt. Rob Lawler caught a glimmer of gold through the corner of his eye. “I did a double-take, I couldn’t believe my eyes.” reported Lt. Lawler, Corps officer in Helena Mt. “I’ve been counting kettles of change for many years, and I knew that I was seeing something that I hadn’t seen before.”
That something was a shiny, one-ounce gold coin. It was anonymously dropped into the kettle on Saturday, in front of the Murdoch’s Ranch and Home Supply on N. Montana Avenue. The bell ringer, Lee, had no idea about the donation, but knew something interesting was placed into the kettle.
While it’s not unusual that a donor will drop a valuable item into a kettle, this is the first time in recent history that such an item was received in Helena. This year, in other US cities, diamond rings, rare coins, and even a gold (tooth) filling has been received. The coin received in Helena is valued at about $1,200.
“There’s no explanation other than generosity,” suggests Lt. Lawler. “These rare donations are probably items that people have saved at their home, and decide that The Salvation Army can put it to good use.” Since these unusual donations are typically anonymous, there’s no way to determine the motive of the donor. And, sadly, there is no way to thank them.
“I wish I could thank the donor directly, but their identity is a mystery. We’ll thank them through our continued work in the community,” said Lt. Lawler.
Pictured: Lt. Rob Lawler holds the gold coin received in a kettle in Helena, MT.