$1,200 gold coin donated to Salvation Army

Staff report

YOUNGSTOWN

A $1,200 gold coin was anonymously donated to the Salvation Army of Mahoning County during the organization’s Red Kettle Campaign in Austintown.

The gold coin was discovered in a red kettle outside the Walmart Store in Austintown; the anonymous donor left no note or information. The coin was appraised and purchased by Ace Diamond and Jewelry Brokers Inc. in Boardman.

During the campaign each season, anonymous donors sporadically put gold coins in Salvation Army red kettles around the country, Salvation Army officials said. This donation is appreciated.

“At a time when our Red Kettle Campaign is running behind $18,000 compared to this same time last year, this gold coin will make a huge difference and enable us to serve many of our neediest citizens in the county. We are thankful for this generous gift. It will help us in our ongoing ministry this Christmas and year-round,” said Maj. Elijah O. Kahn, the area coordinator for Mahoning County.

Kahn said the Salvation Army has received an anonymous donation of a gold coin for the last three years.

The Salvation Army of Mahoning County has a kettle goal of $345,000 this year. The red kettle campaign runs through today. Donations can be sent to 1501 Glenwood Ave., Youngstown.