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Salvation Army kettles in Mahoning County got a much needed boost with three one-ounce gold coins discovered in three of its kettles across the area.
The coins: a one-ounce fine gold Canadian Maple Leaf was dropped in a kettle at Canfield Giant Eagle Supermarket, one-ounce fine gold South African Krugerrand, and a one-ounce Grant Wood American Arts Commemorative Series coin were dropped in kettles at the East and West entrances of Giant Eagle Supermarket in Austintown, respectively. The coins were donated by an anonymous donor(s) who left no note or information. The coins will be appraised at Ace Diamond & Jewelry Brokers, Inc in Boardman. Each coin may be worth $1,200-$1,300.
The Red Kettle Campaign is the biggest fundraising effort undertaken by The Salvation Army Mahoning County each year.
“At a time when our Red Kettle Campaign is running behind by over $40,000 as of Dec. 20, 2016 compared to the same time last year, these gold coins will help us make up some of the fundraising gap we have experienced this season,” said Major Elijah O. Kahn, Mahoning County Area Coordinator. “We are amazed by this incredible generosity, and we want to express our thanks and gratitude to the donor(s) for this generous gift. It will make a huge difference in our ongoing ministry this Christmas and year round.”
The Salvation Army has been serving the neediest citizens in Mahoning County since 1884 providing holistic services that meet the spiritual and practical needs of all. The organization serves thousands of individuals, men, women, children and the elderly with food, clothing, Christmas assistance, toys, utility and rental assistance, emergency aid, social services, youth and recreational programs, seniors programs and men’s and women’s programs. The 2016 Red Kettle Campaign has a goal of $350,000. Funds raised at Christmas are used locally. The red kettle campaign runs through Dec. 24. Donations can be sent to 1501 Glenwood Avenue, Youngstown, OH 44511.