Gold coin gets dropped in red kettle one last time

METRO DETROIT — Lots of coins get dropped in the Salvation Army’s red kettles, but for 12 years one donation has stood out. On Dec. 2, a mysterious deep-pocketed donor dropped off a final gold Krugerrand coin at a Kroger in St. Clair Shores.

This year’s coin came with a note: “Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night! I am sorry to say — this is my last (Krugerrand). Hoping there are others who have (Krugerrands) that can help keep up this tradition in the future to help so many in need during the holidays. God Bless!”

The donor’s identity has been kept secret throughout the years. The coin has been dropped at the Kroger near the intersection of Marter Road and Jefferson Avenue each year. According to Monex last week, the value of the coin is $2,642. Last year’s coin was valued at $2,031 when it was donated.

“(It was) very generous that someone was able to do that every year,” said Salvation Army Maj. Charlotte Hall, who oversees the organization’s Great Lakes Division.

When a coin is received by the organization, it is cashed in, and funds are distributed back to the unit that received the coin, according to Hall.

Hall said she has been stationed at Salvation Army locations throughout the country during her career and has seen gold Krugerrands donated.

“It’s amazing,” Hall said. “I was in Aurora, Illinois, and we had one donated while I was there.”

The donation came a day before Giving Tuesday, when all statewide donations to the Salvation Army Great Lakes Division, up to $25,000, were doubled. This match also comes from an anonymous donor, according to a press release.

The Krugerrand started being produced in South Africa in 1967. It’s named after Paul Kruger, who was the president of the South African Republic from 1883 to 1900.

According to a Los Angeles Times article, President Ronald Reagan banned imports of the currency in 1985 following pressure from Democrats to crack down on South Africa’s apartheid government. The article states that $600 million worth of Krugerrands were marketed in the United States in 1984. A Seattle Times article states that the ban on importing the coins into the U.S. was lifted in 1991.

 

How are people giving?
This year, the Salvation Army is pushing its “Tap to Give” option. This allows donations to be made with a cash app, credit card and debit card at locations throughout metro Detroit. When giving, donors will be prompted with different amounts they can contribute.

“You can use your phone or any of your chipped cards,” Hall said.

Donations are down nationwide 40%, according to Hall, though she said the Detroit area holds its own in comparison to the rest of the country.

“Detroiters are known for supporting the Army,” Hall said. “They always come through for us and we really appreciate that.”

Galina Roehl, who does public relations for the Salvation Army, said donations are up from last year. Though, she said, donations to the red kettles themselves are down.

“They’re getting more money from mail and social media,” Roehl said, who added that these alternative sources include the “Tap to Give” option.

Hall said volunteer hours have been down this year. The organization is looking for those who can help to meet its goal.

“It really just takes an army of volunteers to raise $7 million,” Hall said.

Those interested in volunteering can sign up at registertoring.com.