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The Salvation Army Receives First Gold Coin of the Season

Posted on: Wednesday, 3 December 2008, 15:04 CST

CHICAGO, Dec. 3 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The gold coin tradition continues for The Salvation Army. This is the 26th year gold has been dropped into the red kettles, with the first coin appearing this past weekend. The one-ounce 2005 Liberty $50 coin was wrapped in a $2 bill and deposited in a Salvation Army red kettle at a Jewel Food Store in Norridge.

Since the first gold coin was deposited in McHenry County in 1982, The Salvation Army has seen gold coins of every type and description dropped into its red kettles. While gold coins are received by The Salvation Army throughout the country, the tradition began in the Chicago area, according to Lt. Colonel David E. Grindle, The Salvation Army's Metropolitan Division commander.

"We're deeply appreciative of these special gifts," said Grindle. "The coins are always a great help, particularly now when there is a greater need than ever before. This year the demand for Salvation Army services is far exceeding the pace of our donations."

The Salvation Army has a goal of $12 million for its 2008 Christmas fund-raising campaign. Eighty-nine cents out of every dollar donated to The Salvation Army is spent on services and programs that directly benefit the needy, the number of which is increasing steadily in this turbulent economy. The Salvation Army helps those in need with the most basic of essentials including food, clothing and shelter. Only a portion of the funds raised during the Christmas campaign come through The Salvation Army Red Kettles, a familiar site on Chicago streets during the holiday season.

For more information, visit www.salarmychicago.org.

SOURCE The Salvation Army, Metropolitan Division

Source: PR Newswire

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