Gold Krugerrand Found in Salvation Army Red Kettle Supports Local Families

A routine red kettle count turned into an unforgettable moment of generosity and hope. When The Salvation Army of Plymouth counted the red kettle stationed at Hobby Lobby on Ford Road in Canton, staff discovered something truly extraordinary: a 1-ounce South African gold Krugerrand, carefully wrapped inside a $5 bill. 

The unexpected gift is valued at an estimated $4,300—a powerful reminder that sometimes the smallest kettles can hold the biggest surprises. 

A Gift With Real Impact 

The value of this single gold coin is equivalent to providing winter coats for approximately 172 children, or nearly two months of meals for a family of four. That’s warmth, nourishment, and dignity delivered straight to neighbors who need it most. 

This marks the second year in a row that The Salvation Army of Plymouth has received a gold Krugerrand from a “Secret Santa.” For more than a decade, a separate, generous donor on Detroit’s east side also placed gold coins into Salvation Army kettles—last year marking their final gift. These quiet acts of generosity have left a lasting legacy of compassion across our community. 

Supporting Neighbors Close to Home 

The gold coin will be professionally appraised and sold, with every dollar staying right here in our community to support The Salvation Army of Metro Detroit and its $7.1 million Red Kettle Christmas Campaign. 

This gift arrives at a critical moment. The need for food, shelter, and assistance remains high—and those needs don’t end when the holiday decorations come down. Families continue to face tough choices long after Christmas morning has passed. 

Stories like this remind us why finishing the Red Kettle Christmas Campaign strong is so important. Every single gift—large or small—helps ensure The Salvation Army can continue saying “yes”when families and individuals turn to us for help. 

Be Part of the Story 

Your gift today – whether dropped in a red kettle or given online – will be doubled through December 31, thanks to the Consortium of Hope. Your generosity will help ensure families across ourcommunity continue receiving food, shelter, warmth and hope when they need it most. Donate today.