The Salvation Army Red Kettle Campaign received a pleasant surprise on Monday in Jacksonville.
Captain Charles Pinkston stopped by the WLDS/WEAI studio on Wednesday to talk about the current campaign, which wraps up December 24th.
While donation totals are lower than the projected goal, Pinkston says spirits were raised when a kettle at Walmart collected a gold coin.
“Every year people around the Salvation Army wonder if we are going to get one and where is it going to show up. I really like the fact that they put a scripture verse around the coin each year, pointing out that Christ is the reason for this Christmas season.”
Pinkston says the Salvation Army will wait until the price of gold is higher to cash in the coin.
The Salvation Army Red Kettle Campaign is only at 48 percent of their $200,000 goal. Pinkston says the campaign is more than $20,000 behind last year’s pace.
The Tree of Lights Campaign will continue after Christmas Day.