The Salvation Army announced they have received two gold coins, worth over $4,000, donated in Waukegan before Red Kettle season has even begun.
The Salvation Army North and Central Illinois Division said the two coins were donated on Monday afternoon.
The first gold coin of the season was a one-ounce South African Gold Krugerrand and the second was a half-ounce $25 gold American Eagle coin.
The first coin, valued at approximately $2,750, was hand-delivered to the Waukegan Corps Community Center just after 1 p.m. Monday.
A person walked into the Waukegan Corps and dropped off the coin on behalf of an anonymous donor who said they love the work of The Salvation Army in Lake County.
The message delivered along with the coin was that the donor wants to continue to help needy families.
The second coin, valued at approximately $1,500, was walked into the Waukegan Corps on behalf of another donor at 3:30 p.m. Monday.
Gold coins, like the ones dropped off in Waukegan, help The Salvation Army support families who are struggling to stay in their homes, put a warm meal on the table and provide Christmas gifts for their children.
All Red Kettle donations stay local and the two gold coins will help fund programs and services in the Lake County community.
“These gold coins will help us fund the services that help people in Waukegan all year long,” said Major Dan Faundez, Corps Officer at The Salvation Army Waukegan Corps.
“We hope the generosity of these donors will be matched many times over this Christmas season,” Faundez said.
The Salvation Army’s Red Kettle campaign dates back to 1891 in San Francisco.
Gold and silver coins donated to The Salvation Army Red Kettles have become a holiday tradition and the organization said they are grateful to the donors for their support.
The Salvation Army North and Central Illinois Division received 10 gold coins during the 2023 Red Kettle campaign.