Above / Eddie was ringing his bell for The Salvation Army when gold and silver coins were donated sometime on Tuesday to his red kettle at the entrance to Casey’s Foods in Naperville. (PN Photo)
The traditional holiday Red Kettle Bell Ringing has just started and already The Salvation Army reports exciting news from Naperville.
On Tuesday night, a 1 oz. South African Kruggerand gold coin valued at approximately $1,278 and a 1 oz. silver bar {pendent} valued at approximately $17 were dropped into The Salvation Army Red Kettle at Casey’s Foods in Naperville Plaza, located at 124 West Gartner Road.
A representative from the Aurora Corps Community Center was ringing bells at this location, so the Aurora center will be the lucky recipient of the generous anonymous donation. The donation will go far in ensuring Aurora continues to provide emergency assistance, a food pantry, and holiday meals this year.
“Knowing that there are people in our community, with the means to generate excitement around the Joy of Giving, is a true blessing,” says Aurora’s Captain Rich Forney.
Casey’s Foods Owner Dan Casey, a longtime Salvation Army supporter, was equally as excited to learn of the donation.
“Someone here in Naperville is very generous and they are supporting a great cause,” said Casey. “Hopefully it will start the trend of many more showing up in the kettles around the Chicago area.”
Gold and silver coins donated to The Salvation Army Red Kettles have become a much-anticipated holiday tradition of giving throughout Chicagoland and surrounding communities.
This Christmas season, all friends and supporters are welcome to join The Salvation Army in the “Fight for Good.”
To find out how you can help in Naperville, Aurora and throughout the Chicagoland this Christmas season go to www.salvationarmyfightforgood.org.
The Salvation Army Bell Ringers will be stationed throughout the community all during the holiday season at locations in Naperville Plaza, downtown Naperville and other shopping destinations.
Eddie says he will return to his spot in front of Casey’s Foods at least until the end of this week.
Every year, The Salvation Army helps nearly 30 million people, roughly one per second.
For more info or to make a donation, visit donate.salvationarmyusa.org.
Photos of coins were submitted by Shanna Schwarze, Director of Communications, for The Salvation Army.
