Salvation Army Receives South African Krugerrand Coins Worth $1700 In Red Kettles

Just when Salvation Army bell ringers thought no donation could surprise them, rare African coins started popping up in their kettles.

In some cities across the country, anonymous donors have been dropping gold South African Krugerrand coins -- worth $1,700 -- into the organization’s signature red kettles, KJRH reports.

In Tulsa, Okla., the unusual donation came on an ideal day. On Dec. 15, local coin dealer Tulsa Gold and Silver, happened to have decided to match donations made to the Salvation Army’s fundraising campaign up to $10,000, according to the news outlet.

"I mean that's $3,400 there in just one coin, so we're delighted for the generosity of whoever it is that placed the coin in our kettle," Major Jim Taylor of the Salvation Army told News On 6.

Tulsa isn’t the only city benefiting from the value of the South African bullion.

Volunteers in Atlanta to Portland Ore., have also found Krugerrand coins among the piles of green, silver and copper currency collected in the red kettles.

"This coin is enough to help over 60 families in need with food, help dozens of kids at Christmas or send several kids to summer camp," Lt. Ray Dihle, corps officer at the Salvation Army's Portland Tabernacle told the Oregonian.

When asked what he would say to the anonymous donor if given the chance, "I would simply say, 'Thank you, you made a difference in your community,” Dihle told the paper. “You helped your neighbor.'"