GOOD AS GOLD
Salvation Army of Annapolis receives special coin
The Salvation Army of Annapolis regularly gathers its red kettles at the end of the day to count collections, but last Friday, they were surprised to find among the quarters and the crumpled bills a 1-ounce gold coin.
The gold coin, estimated to be worth approximately $1,800, was dropped in The Salvation Army’s Red Kettle in front of Zachary’s Jewelers in downtown
Annapolis.
“It was one of those donations that when you see it come in, you heard about it happening at other locations, but you really never expect it, especially in a year like this,” said Capt. Ryan Vincent of The Salvation Army of Annapolis. “It was a surprise and a shock.”
Vincent said they already got one offer for the Canadian coin, which they plan to sell, so its value is used as a donation toward the kettle program. It will also go to a COVID-19-related relief program that they plan to announce in the new year.
“With all this going on and you see a donation like this, it lets those struggling know that the community is here to help. They aren’t content watching people struggle; they are here to help people,” Vincent said.
The Salvation Army has given out
over 5,000 boxes of food and helped to distribute more than $200,000to individuals facing shut off notices and looming evictions. They’ve completed their annual Angel Tree distribution during the Christmas season, providing toys and clothes to more than 2,000 children in the region and another 50 seniors who would otherwise struggle during this season.
“We’re going to see more and more people in need going forward, and we want to promise the community of Annapolis and Southern Maryland additional fund-ing,” Vincent said. “This year has highlighted how much we need to be focused on feeding the community, not just physically but emotionally and being available for people.”
The Salvation Army food program’s needs tripled over this year, Vincent said. The food boxes that were given out are valued at $150 each.
The new year for the Salvation Army will see an expansion of existing programs and looking to open a winter shelter. They want to pledge more money to their social service program aswell.
“This year, we are living up to our purpose and helping them with anything we possibly can,” Vincent said.