Rings dropped into Massachusetts Salvation Army donation kettle: ‘Given in love for a second time’

The incredibly generous tradition of people dropping jewelry into The Salvation Army’s red donation kettles continued this week in the Bay State.

Lt. Nicole Fullop of The Salvation Army was counting money after collecting red kettles from multiple sites in Waltham on Thursday when she found a wedding band and an engagement ring.

There was also a note from the anonymous donor, who dropped them into a red kettle at the Market Basket in Waltham.

“This ring is being given in love for a second time,” the donor wrote. “Like the first time, I hope that this ring will bring joy and make a difference.”

The rings are valued at an estimated $1,500. The Salvation Army said the rings will now be “put directly toward helping families and others in need in the Waltham area this holiday season.”

Over the years, people have donated valuable jewelry and rare coins with notes that have helped The Salvation Army raise hundreds of thousands of dollars to support social services in communities.

“We are honored and humbled that someone would care enough to give something this precious to The Salvation Army to help others,” Fullop said. “Donors dropping valuable jewelry and coins with notes into kettles has been happening for years and is often a reminder of how the kettle is a sign of hope.”

Donations of rare, valuable coins at Salvation Army kettles across the country have made headlines in recent days.

This year, The Salvation Army is aiming to raise $2.5 million in Massachusetts through its red kettle campaign. The donation campaign ends on Christmas Eve.

Each year, The Salvation Army serves more than 24 million people across America. That breaks down to more than 55 million meals for the hungry, more than 10 million nights of shelter for the homeless, and Christmas gifts for children who may otherwise go without presents.

Volunteers who are interested in helping The Salvation Army in a community near them can learn more by visiting www.SalvationArmyMA.org.