CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. – The Clarksville Salvation Army has received a very special Christmas gift, a ½ ounce Gold Krugerrand was dropped into a Red Kettle at Walmart on Fort Campbell Boulevard this week. It is not known who donated the coin but it is valued at $550.
Captain Jimmy Steele with the Salvation Army said the donation will help the organization with its $200,000 collection goal for the holidays. “We’re a little short of reaching our goal so the coin will help get us closer to where we need to be financially,” said Steele.
Steele added that the money from the sale of the coin will be used to help fund the Salvation Army shelter and support the Angel Tree program to help buy toys and clothing for kids this Christmas. For many years the gold coins have shown up locally in the Red Kettles
The coin was sold to Golden Eagle Jewelry at 652 Riverside Drive. John Gilreath with Golden Eagle has helped the Salvation Army over the years by buying the donated coins. We’re happy to be able to help the Salvation Army so they can help others because that is so important this time of year,” said Gilreath.
Red Kettles can be found at businesses throughout Clarksville. For more information about volunteering to be a bell ringer at Red Kettle locations visit www.ringbells.org. To show your support for the Salvation Army or help as a volunteer at the shelter call 931-552-5350.