Anonymous Donor Drops Gold Coin in Salvation Army Red Kettle, Marking a Tradition of Holiday Giving

Volunteers with the Salvation Army's Harmony-Zelienople Unit recently received a gold coin in one of the red kettles, marking a significant donation

An anonymous donor in southwestern Butler County showed their support for a local chapter of the Salvation Army Red Kettle Campaign by leaving a gold coin in one of the kettles.

Volunteers with the Salvation Army’s Harmony-Zelienople Unit were surprised to find the coin, which will be used to help those in need over the holiday season.

“We're obviously just extremely grateful for whoever it is that keeps doing this (leaving a gold coin),” said Lisa Zierden, Campaign Coordinator for the Harmony-Zelienople Unit. “It's just really tremendous to know that there's a little local angel helping out.”

Zierden is in her second year of volunteer work with the Salvation Army, and recalled another gold coin was discovered last year as well. She also noted that the organization's treasurer remembers a similar donation dating back even further.

“I only know it happened the past two years, but Marietta Reeb, who has been there longer than me, said she remembers at least four years that it's happened,” she said.

The type of gold coin and its weight determines the value. Citing potential privacy concerns, Salvation Army officials declined to say exactly how much the coin is worth.

The proceeds will go a long way toward benefiting those who could use a financial pick-me-up over the harsh winter months.

“The (money) raised in our campaign are used locally in the Harmony and Zelienople areas to provide utility assistance, rental assistance, food pantry needs and help for summer camps,” Zierden said.

This year, volunteers with red kettles rang bells for the organization at the Northgate Bilo Foods & Pharmacy in Jackson Township and Walgreens in Zelienople. A kettle was also present at Zelienople's Miracle on Main Street event on Dec. 5. Organizers confirmed that the gold coin was found when emptying kettles from one of those three locations.

According to a news release, the Salvation Army Western Pennsylvania Division has received more than $1,232,769 in donations, which adds up to almost 53% of the total fundraising goal of $2.34 million. The Red Kettle Campaign concludes on Christmas Eve.

Those in need of assistance in the Harmony and Zelienople areas are asked to contact Tom Brain at 724-452-8532 to assess whether the Salvation Army can help.

Gifts can be given virtually by visiting salvationarmywpa.org or by texting the word “Kettle” to 31333. Donors can then reply with their ZIP code to ensure each donation goes directly back into the community where they reside.