Gold 'Eagle' coin appears as anonymous gift in red kettle

For the third year, a special golden surprise dropped out of one of The Salvation Army's kettles: a $20 Liberty Eagle gold coin that had a small label affixed to its case with these words carefully printed, "In memory of Mimi."

"It is great to see this loving act of kindness continue," said Major Art Penhale, The Salvation Corps Officer in Lee County. "I want this anonymous donor to know publicly that we are grateful for this generous act of goodwill." This is the third year The Salvation Army has received this anony mous donation "in memory of Mimi" at one of its kettle locations.

The gold coin comes at a time when The Army really needs it to boost red kettle funds. With only 11 days left for bell ringing, The Army is still short of the $500,000 goal — about $17,000 a day is still needed through Dec. 24, the last day of bell ringing. The kettles are down $30,000 from the same time last year.

"We hope shoppers will continue to be generous this Christmas. We are praying they will drop an extra dollar or two in during the final days, so we can give to those who are in need this holiday season" said Major Penhale.

The red kettle campaign supports The Army's Christmas Cheer program where families register for assistance with holiday gifts and food. For years, donations have enabled The Army to provide each child in the family with new toys, books and a stocking. In addition a turkey and all the trimmings are provided, so that families can prepare a meal at home. Aside from families in need, The Army also provides gifts and food baskets to shut-ins and to the elderly during the holidays. Last year, more than 17,000 people received help from the Christmas Cheer campaign. The Salvation Army reports that 62 percent of families who registered are newly in need of help this year.

To donate to the red kettles with a check, send your donation to The Salvation Army at 10291 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers, FL 33919.