Salvation Army kettles overflowing in Memphis area

3 gold coins have been anonymously dropped

Since The Salvation Army's bells began ringing in Memphis last month, the community has stuffed more than $400,000 and some gold coins into its kettles.

The bells will stop ringing at the close of Christmas Eve on Thursday night.

Major Mark Woodcock, area commander of The Salvation Army, said the group exceeded its goal by $20,000 last year and saw an 8 percent rise in those seeking assistance this year.

Three gold coins were dropped anonymously into Salvation Army kettles around the area last Thursday.

Woodcock said he believed it was a first for the Memphis area.

A one-ounce gold buffalo coin, valued at just under $1,100, was dropped in the kettle at the Piggly Wiggly on Madison.

Two other gold coins, a quarter-ounce Krugerrand coin and a half-ounce gold eagle coin, were donated to the kettle at the Kroger in Poplar Plaza.

"Although we don't know who the donor is, and thus unable to thank him or her personally, we are extremely grateful for this generous contribution," Woodcock said. "Every year we are reminded how caring and giving the Memphis community is, and this year is certainly no exception."

-- Toby Sells: 529-2742

Toby Sells
529-2742
The Commercial Appeal
December 23, 2009