News Summary
An anonymous donor made a generous contribution to the Salvation Army by placing a gold coin worth over $1,300 in a Red Kettle at the Kroc Center in Phoenix. The surprise was discovered by volunteers and accompanied by a heartfelt note expressing hope that the gold would aid those in need during the holiday season. This donation is particularly significant as overall donations have declined this year, highlighting the importance of community support during festive times.
Phoenix – An anonymous donor made a remarkable contribution to the Salvation Army this holiday season by placing a gold coin worth over $1,300 in a Red Kettle at the Ray & Joan Kroc Center in Phoenix. The donation, discovered by volunteers at the center on December 19, consisted of a half-ounce Gold American Eagle coin, which has a face value of $25 but was appraised and sold for $1,310.
Alongside the coin, the donor left a heartfelt note stating, “May this gold help the people in need during the Christmas season. Bless you all.” The gesture comes at a time when the Salvation Army’s Red Kettle campaign has seen an 18% decline in donations compared to the previous year, highlighting the significance of generous contributions during the festive period.
Captain Dustin Rowe, the Kroc Center Corps Officer, expressed profound gratitude for the donation, emphasizing the impact that such kindness can have during the holiday season.
Financial Support and Community Impact
In Arizona, donations to the Salvation Army qualify for state tax credits, which allow single individuals to claim up to $470 and married couples to claim up to $938. This financial incentive is designed to encourage more contributions, providing much-needed support for local programs and services.
Approximately 84 cents of every dollar donated directly supports local efforts, reflecting the organization’s commitment to helping those in need. Last year, the Salvation Army assisted over 380,000 individuals across Arizona, providing vital services and support to the community.
Community Programs at the Kroc Center
The Ray & Joan Kroc Center not only serves as a hub for donations but also offers various community programs, including activities such as swimming and arts and crafts. These programs aim to enrich the lives of community members and provide resources to those who may be struggling.
Continued Support is Needed
As the Red Kettle campaign approaches its conclusion for the holiday season, opportunities for support remain available. Donations can still be made through various channels, including visiting SalvationArmyRedKettle.org and texting RedKettles to 51555.
The anonymous donation serves as a powerful reminder of the impact individuals can make in their communities, especially during the holiday season when many face hardship. Contributions such as this gold coin are critical in enabling the Salvation Army to continue its mission of helping those in need.
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Additional Resources
- AZ Family
- Wikipedia: Salvation Army
- ABC 15 News
- Google Search: Salvation Army
- Fox 10 Phoenix
- Google Scholar: Salvation Army donations
- AZ Central
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Salvation Army
- 12 News
- Google News: Salvation Army Phoenix
Author: STAFF HERE PHOENIX WRITER
The PHOENIX STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREPhoenix.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Phoenix, Maricopa County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Waste Management Phoenix Open, Cactus League Spring Training, and Arizona State Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce and Visit Phoenix, plus leading businesses in technology and healthcare that power the local economy such as Intel and Banner Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERETucson.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Arizona's dynamic landscape.
