The Salvation Army reports that three of its signature Red Kettles in the Valley received an anonymous donation of a one-ounce American Eagle Gold Bullion Coin over the last 10 days.

The coins, each believed to have a value of $1,400-$1,500, were donated at Red Kettles in Mesa, Apache Junction, and most recently, on Wednesday in Goodyear. 

“We feel very blessed to have received these very generous gifts,” said Major David Yardley, The Salvation Army Metro Phoenix Program Coordinator. “These donations will help The Salvation Army provide vital local services year-round, such as food for the hungry, clothing and shelter for the homeless, disaster and heat relief, senior activity and outreach, adult rehabilitation, and opportunities for underprivileged children.” 

Yardley added that even with the gold coin donations, with most Red Kettles only out through Christmas Eve, The Salvation Army is at just over 52 percent of its goal to raise $1.6 million to help our neighbors in need in the Valley this coming year.

In addition to Red Kettles located at storefronts across the Valley, donations can also be made online at SalvationArmyPhoenix.org. You can even ask Alexa to, “Make a donation to The Salvation Army.”

Many Red Kettles also have the Army’s easy new Kettle Pay option that allows a person to donate from his or her smartphone right at the kettle. 

“People in The Valley of the Sun are very giving, and we are grateful for the community’s support of The Salvation Army. Anything you can spare as the holiday season winds down can help our neighbors in need who struggle with poverty every day,” added Yardley. “But, if you are unable to give monetarily, volunteering is also a great way to give back, and we are always in need of volunteers at our Red Kettles. Volunteering at a Red Kettle for just one hour can raise enough money to help The Salvation Army feed 13 people. That is a huge impact.” 

Visit SalvationArmyPhoenix.org to find out how you can volunteer at a Red Kettle.

Eighty-two cents of every dollar donated to The Salvation Army are used to support local programs and services. That is one of the highest percentages of any nonprofit in the world.

Red Kettle collections comprise 21 percent of gifts to The Salvation Army in the Valley for the entire year, so the Red Kettle Campaign is a vital initiative.

The Salvation Army’s signature Red Kettle was introduced in San Francisco in 1891 to provide a free holiday dinner to the poor.