Valuable Gold Coin Placed Into Batavia Salvation Army Red Kettle

BATAVIA, IL — A gold American Buffalo coin valued at $2,000 was recently placed into a Salvation Army red kettle at a Batavia store, which officials from the organization will go a long way in helping needy families stay in their homes this winter.

The Salvation Army recently announced that the coin was dropped into one of the organization’s kettles at the Jewel-Osco store located at 119 S. Randall Rd. Another coin, a 1-ounce fine gold Standing Liberty coin — also valued at between $1,900 and $2,000 — was placed into a Salvation Army kettle outside of a Geneva Starbucks.

Both coins will help fund programs and services run by the Salvation Army Tri-City Corps, which serves the Joe K Anderson Community Center. The center provides support for the Geneva, St. Charles, Batavia and Central Kane County area, officials said.

"These gifts will allow us to show support and love to families who are struggling to stay in their homes, put a warm meal on the table, and provide Christmas gifts for their children," Lt. Scott Smith, officer at The Salvation Army St. Charles Corps said in a news release. "These generous donors are helping make an impact in our community at Christmas and all year round."

The Salvation Army’s Red Kettle campaign dates back to 1891 in San Francisco. Gold and silver coins donated to The Salvation Army Red Kettles have become a much-anticipated holiday tradition of giving, officials said, as part of the annual Love Beyond Christmas campaign.

Officials said that during this holiday season, millions of Americans, including our neighbors here in Chicagoland, continue to struggle with the ongoing impacts of inflation, the pandemic, eviction, and job loss. The Salvation Army is committed to providing love and service to those in need during Christmas and beyond, according to the release.