Generous donors drop engagement rings, wedding bands and other jewelry in Salvage Army's trademark red kettles.
A widow's sentimental gift to the charity has led to more donors dropping valuable jewelry in the red kettles. It all began when an anonymous donor donated her diamond cross pendant, which had a value of about $1,500, into one red kettles.
The donor wrote that she was actually inspired by another widow who donated her engagement diamond ring and her late husband's wedding band to help buy toys for deprived children. Both jewelries were in turn bought by another widow who spent $21,000 to buy them so that she can return them to the real owner.
Salvation Army also revealed that the women met each other and returned the rings to the real owner.
Captain Myron Smith of the Salvation Army says that Boston had something special happening after he found the precious jewelry while clearing a red kettle in the suburbs of Brookline. Captain Smith revealed that he was overwhelmed with the rings donation.
"It's great to see Bostonians inspired by acts of generosity during this holiday season," said Captain Smith.
Salvation Army revealed that the woman who donated the diamond pendant was originally from Australia and she donated her jewelry to thank the people in Boston for the warm welcome she received when she moved to the city.
"I needed to find somewhere for us, particularly my son, to be happy again. We had visited Boston several times and always loved it here. Since relocating, people have been so warm, friendly, kind and accommodating to us, and I have been trying to think of a way to give back to the people of Boston," wrote the anonymous woman who donated the diamond pendant.
The donor also revealed that she was very inspired by the woman who donated her diamond engagement ring and a wedding band that belonged to her late husband.
A Salvation Army spokesperson revealed that it is not the first time they have found jewelry in their red kettles. However, the recent incident had inspired more people to come forward and donate for a good cause.
