Rare gold coin found in red kettle donations for The Salvation Army

DENVER (KDVR) — A rare South African Krugerrand gold coin worth thousands was found amid the spare change donated to a Salvation Army red kettle in Colorado.

Salvation Army volunteers found the coin, valued at more than $2,700, in a red kettle at a King Soopers grocery store in Fort Collins on Dec. 23, according to a press release.

This isn't the first time it's happened. In fact, the Krugerrand tradition is longstanding in Fort Collins. The first gold coin like this one was found in a red kettle back in 1998.

“We rely on the generosity of our local donors to attend to local needs — both spiritual and physical — so it’s a joy to know that the consistency of this gift has not waned for more than two decades,” says Pastor Joshua Lyle, administrator of The Salvation Army in Fort Collins. “It comes from someone who is committed to serving their community via our hands, and we appreciate that.”

The gold coins have also been popping up across the country. A donor dropped one in Napa, California, last year, and a Detroit suburb with its own 12-year Krugerrand tradition received a new coin this season.

The divisional commander of The Salvation Army Intermountain Division, which includes Colorado, said local donations stay in the area, so the money from the Fort Collins coin will go directly back to the community.

“The donations we receive during the Red Kettle holiday season help our neighbors all year long,” Major Nesan Kistan said. “Our neighbors face hunger, job losses, insurmountable bills and many additional discouragements. Our services are needed by so many families.”

Donations made to The Salvation Army help provide meals, food boxes, utility assistance and more to those in need.