Two gold coins with a total value of $2,100 were donated to the Salvation Army at two suburban locations.
A one-ounce $50 Canadian fine gold coin, valued at approximately $1,100, was dropped into a Salvation Army red kettle Tuesday, according to the organization.
The mystery donor dropped the gold coin into a red kettle at the Jewel-Osco store at 3220 Chicago Ave. in Homewood.
A $5 American Eagle gold coin, weighing 1/10-ounce, was delivered to the Joliet Corps Community Center also on Tuesday. The coin is valued at approximately $1,000.
The gold coins have become a tradition that dates back more than 25 years, according to a release from the Salvation Army. The first gold coin was donated in Lake County.
Since the first anonymous gold coin was donated, the organization says it has received more than 400 gold coins from mystery donors.
Donations made to the Salvation Army’s Red Kettle Campaign benefit local programs that provide toys, coats, and food for those in need.
During the 2014 holiday season, the Salvation Army served more than 105,000 people. Volunteers distributed more than 16,000 food baskets, 42,000 articles of clothing and more than 131,000 toys, according to the organization.
The red kettles will remain on the streets through December 24. The campaign will continue online through January 31, 2016.
