KOKOMO– On the final day of its annual Red Kettle Christmas Campaign, The Salvation Army learned that a long-time donor had left a Christmas Eve gift for the organization as part of his estate. The unexpected donation came in the form of six gold coins valued at $12,366, which is enough to push The Salvation Army of Kokomo past its seasonal fundraising goal.
“The man that I spoke to is related to a gentleman who was a longtime supporter of The Salvation Army,” said Lieutenant Joey Gates of the Kokomo Salvation Army. “Upon his death in March of this year, it was discovered that he had a final Red Kettle donation. When the man showed up to my office today he handed me not one or two, but six gold Krugerrands. The late ‘Secret Santa’ had been putting a single Krugerrand in a single Red Kettle in Kokomo for years to help The Salvation Army serve Howard County.”
This unexpected blessing couldn’t have come at a better time. Before the gift, The Salvation Army’s bell-ringing efforts had faced unique challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Christmas Eve had dawned with the organization still $2,000 short of its $68,000 Red Kettle goal.
“When my wife and I received this gift we had tears in our eyes,” continued Lt. Gates. “We’re new to this community, and with everything that has happened this year, including losing two Red Kettle locations, we weren’t sure if we’d be able to make our goal. This community has stepped up to rescue Christmas for the people of Howard County.”
The Salvation Army of Kokomo has been serving the people of Howard County since 1903. Among its largest ministries is a robust food pantry program that feeds around 185 local families every month. Youth programs include Club 3:16 during the school year and weeks away at The Salvation Army’s Hidden Falls Camp in the summer. The Red Kettle Christmas Campaign funds these and many other services throughout the year. In a year of increased requests for financial and food assistance, fundraising efforts are more important than ever.
For Lt. Gates and his team at The Salvation Army know how blessed they are to be remembered in their “Secret Santa’s” estate. “I have always heard and seen other people receive one gold Krugerrand in a Christmas season,” said Lt. Gates, “but I have never seen them in person, and now I am holding six from this family of supporters. This was another sign from God saying that He has all under control.”
