Stories are often told about diamond rings and gold coins being dropped into Salvation Army Christmas kettles in Canada and the United States.

Last week, a kettle in Brooks, Alta., was the fortunate recipient of a gold coin worth approximately $1,700. Wrapped tightly in a $5 bill, the coin was accompanied by a note explaining its worth and the bank has since verified its authenticity.

“This is a unique donation, however similar donations have been made in Calgary over the past few years,” says Captain Pam Goodyear, divisional secretary for public relations and development, Alberta and Northern Territories. “Last year, we received the donation with a note indicating that the gentleman who usually donated it anonymously had passed away and one of his grandchildren wanted to give in his memory.”

Donations dropped into Army kettles stay within the community, so the coin's value will go a long way to helping fund The Salvation Army's work in Brooks, a community of 13,000 people.

“We operate a thrift store in Brooks and provide emergency assistance, such as food, to those in need,” says Goodyear. “This donation is greatly appreciated.”

In other news, AGAT Laboratories, a full service laboratory and science company with worldwide operations, generously presented The Salvation Army in Calgary with a cheque for $109,046 on behalf of their locations across Canada.

AGAT Laboratories and its employees made contributions to The Salvation Army aiming to supply 1,000 families with a minimum emergency food basket this Christmas. It costs $120 to create a food hamper for a family of four.