Salvation Army of Mahoning County finds 2 gold coins in 2 kettles

Staff report

YOUNGSTOWN

The Salvation Army of Mahoning County discovered two 1-ounce fine-gold coins in two of its kettles.

The gold coins were dropped in kettles at the Walmart Store in Austintown and Sparkle Supermarket in Cornersburg.

During the Red Kettle Campaign, anonymous donors sporadically and randomly put gold coins in Salvation Army red kettles around the country.

The gold coins will be taken to Ace Diamond & Jewelry Brokers in Boardman to be appraised; the local Salvation Army said they could be worth $1,100 to $1,200 each.

This is the fourth year in a row that the Salvation Army has discovered gold coins in its kettles around Mahoning County. The anonymous donor(s) did not leave any information.

“Times are tough for a lot of families who are struggling to make ends meet during this time, said Maj. Elijah O. Kahn, Mahoning County area coordinator. “We are thankful for this generous donation, which will enable us to be a blessing to so many of our neediest citizens during the holidays.

“These gold coins will make a huge difference. We may never know the individuals who donated them, but we will see in a tangible way the impact of their generosity in the lives of those we serve this Christmas and year round.”

The Red Kettle Campaign is the biggest fundraising effort undertaken by the Salvation Army in Mahoning County each year. The campaign has a goal of $350,000. Funds raised at the kettles are used locally to provide Christmas assistance, emergency aid, food, clothing, social services, recreational programs, seniors program and essential services to the less fortunate year round.

The Red Kettle Campaign runs through Dec. 24. Donations can be sent to 1501 Glenwood Ave., Youngstown, OH 44511.