Anonymous Donor Makes Final Gold Coin Drop After 12-Year Michigan Tradition
At a Kroger store in St. Clair Shores, Michigan, someone dropped off a South African Krugerrand worth $2,642 in a Salvation Army kettle, ending a mysterious donor’s 12-year tradition. The valuable coin showed up in a collection kettle at the Marter Road store right before Giving Tuesday. The donor left a goodbye note, encouraging others to keep the spirit of giving alive. The timing couldn’t have been better, as another donor had promised to match all donations up to $25,000 for the Great Lakes Division.
Ever since 2012, each Krugerrand has helped fund local programs. These special South African coins keep their value well because they’re made of pure gold. The staff would get excited every time they counted the kettles, hoping to find the gold coin. Finding it became one of the highlights of their winter fundraising season.
Last year showed just how much these gifts matter. The charity managed to serve more than 2.4 million meals to people in need. They also gave people struggling with homelessness a place to stay for over half a million nights. The iconic red kettles popped up again at stores and on streets starting November 22. While most people still drop in cash, many now just use their phones to donate.
Even though this golden tradition is ending, the kettles still represent hope to many. These donations help keep important community services running year-round — from food banks to places where people can find shelter.
