Mysterious Tradition Continues
For the ninth straight year, an anonymous donor has dropped a $20 Liberty Eagle gold coin in one of The Salvation Army of Lee, Hendry and Glades Counties’ red kettles. The coin, as in previous years, was wrapped in a note that reads, “In loving memory of Mimi.” The coin is dated 1925 and is estimated to be worth around $1,300.
Coin Facts:
· Designer – Engraver: Augustus Saint Gaudens
· Metal Composition: 90% Gold – 10% Copper
· Diameter: 34 mm
· Mass: 33.44 grams
· Minted: 1907 – 1932
The coin was donated over the weekend at the Publix located at The Shops at Verandah on Palm Beach Boulevard. Multi-year volunteer Merrill Conrad was delighted to be the one to find the coin – and even more pleased that the donor’s tradition of giving the coin in the red kettle continued this year.
“We are honored to receive the meaningful donation of a Mimi coin once again this year,” said Major Tom Louden, Area Commander for The Salvation Army of Lee, Hendry & Glades Counties. “What a wonderful way to honor the memory of a loved one – this gift will make a difference in the lives of many served by The Salvation Army in our community.”
This generous donation comes as The Salvation Army’s red kettle season moves into full swing during Thanksgiving week. With 26 days left to ring the bell, The Army has reached 18% of its 2013 goal of $615,000. These critical funds enable The Salvation Army to meet the continuing needs of the most vulnerable in our community.
Since Thanksgiving falls later in the calendar this year, The Salvation Army lost several critical days to ring the bell at large retailers. The organization hopes that increased giving, along with uncommon donations like the Mimi coin, will help make up for those lost days.
In 2012 The Salvation Army served a total more than 4,200 families, 20,000 individuals throughout Lee, Hendry & Glades Counties, providing thousands of toys and more than 5,600 food baskets through its Christmas Cheer program.
If you would like to help, toy donations and volunteer bell ringers are greatly needed – call 278-1551.
About The Salvation Army of Lee, Hendry and Glades
The Salvation Army, an evangelical part of the universal Christian Church established in 1865, has been supporting those in need in His name without discrimination for 130 years in the United States. Nearly 30 million Americans receive assistance from The Salvation Army each year through the broadest array of social services that range from providing food for the hungry, relief for disaster victims, assistance for the disabled, outreach to the elderly and ill, clothing and shelter for the homeless and opportunities for underprivileged children. Over ninety cents of every dollar spent is used to carry out those services in Lee, Hendry and Glades counties. For more information, go to www.salvationarmyleecounty.
