A Special Gift: Gold Coins
For decades, Salvation Army kettles throughout the world have received a variety of donations at Christmastime including spare change, paper currency and checks. But sometimes diamond rings, jewelry, small electronics, artwork, and special coins turn up! The generous donors usually choose to remain anonymous. They just slip their items into a red kettle and walk away, unobserved.
One woman was part of that extraordinary group. For years, she kept a stash of gold coins for the sole purpose of donating them to Salvation Army kettles. Her generosity helped provide a variety of valuable services and programs for people in need throughout Chicagoland all year round.
She was a life-long resident of Evanston, Illinois, earned two degrees from Northwestern University and spent her career as an elementary school teacher.
Her parents were Salvationists and she remained faithful to the church for almost 96 years. Her desire to live and share the Gospel of Jesus Christ was important to her, and she was immensely proud to be a Salvation Army soldier. She passed away in the fall of 2024.
Although she is missed, she created a legacy by blessing The Salvation Army World Services with a significant estate gift that included seventeen $20 gold U.S. coins dated between 1899 and 1924. They are estimated to be worth approximately $40,000 and will go a long way to support Salvation Army programming around the world.
In the Bible, Jesus says we are to give in secret. We are not to make a big fuss, draw attention, or ask for recognition. We are to give generously, sacrificially, humbly, and quietly.
According to The Salvation Army General Secretary & Chicago Area Commander Major Caleb Senn that’s exactly what she did. “Your Father who sees in secret will reward you, so I have no doubt she is reaping her reward in Heaven.”
If you want to help The Salvation Army sustain its life-changing mission, please contact us when making your estate plans. There are many ways you can provide support through planned giving, or you could fill the void and become the next person to discreetly donate gold coins! Learn more about the important work we do across the U.S. Central Territory.