Christmas surprise — Hagerstown Salvation Army finds Liberty 1990 gold coin in red kettle

Sherry Greenfield, The Herald-Mail
·2 min read

The Salvation Army of Hagerstown found a pleasant surprise when workers emptied one of its iconic red kettles: a Liberty 1990 gold coin possibly worth about $180.

"This gracious gift brings hope to The Salvation Army as they continue to help an increased number of individuals and families," Heather Wincovitch, the Salvation Army's community and donor relations manager, stated in a news release.

The Salvation Army is waiting to hear the true value of the anonymous gift, which could be worth more than the initial estimate, she said.

A Liberty 1990 gold coin was anonymously dropped into one of the Salvation Army of Hagerstown's red kettles. The Salvation Army is waiting to hear the value, which is estimated at $180, and could possibly value higher.
A Liberty 1990 gold coin was anonymously dropped into one of the Salvation Army of Hagerstown's red kettles. The Salvation Army is waiting to hear the value, which is estimated at $180, and could possibly value higher.

Bell ringers for the Hagerstown Salvation Army Corps have been out since Thanksgiving, standing in front of stores and shopping malls to collect donations in their kettles.

The money raised through Christmas Eve will help the Salvation Army help low-income families in Washington County.

In 2020, the red kettle campaign raised $89,000 for the Salvation Army's soup kitchen, food pantry, community center and a merry Christmas for low-income families and children.

This year, the organization is aiming to raise $100,000.

"This generous donation offers some reassurance that hope marches on," Wincovitch said. "Every year, the Salvation Army Hagerstown Corps is saying, 'I hope we can make our goal this year.' The reality this year is, I hope we can make our goal and then some.

"Red kettle donations make an impact in the lives of men, women and children who are vulnerable and residing in Washington County," she said. "These donations will support the Salvation Army’s programs and services for an entire year, not only during the holiday season."

A Liberty 1990 gold coin was anonymously dropped into one of the Salvation Army of Hagerstown's red kettles. The Salvation Army is waiting to hear the value, which is estimated at $180, and could possibly value higher.
A Liberty 1990 gold coin was anonymously dropped into one of the Salvation Army of Hagerstown's red kettles. The Salvation Army is waiting to hear the value, which is estimated at $180, and could possibly value higher.

The Salvation Army launched the "2021 Hope Marches On campaign" to meet a significant increase in the number of requests for food, emergency financial assistance and shelter, she said.

"Our hope is that we will be provided with what is needed to help our vulnerable neighbors."

Red kettles will only be out through Christmas Eve at Halfway's Valley Mall's Mission BBQ restaurant, JC Penny's and the Food Court.

They are also located at Sam’s Club, Hobby Lobby, both Walmart locations and the Pennsylvania Dutch Market.

Counter-top kettles are also be in gas stations and coffee shops.

Sherry Greenfield is the Education Reporter, covering Washington County Public Schools and the Washington County Board of Education. Follow Sherry on Twitter at Sheina2018 or Instagram at beckmangreenfield.

This article originally appeared on The Herald-Mail: Hagerstown Salvation Army finds Liberty 1990 gold coin in red kettle