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The Salvation Army in Alaska says this one-ounce American Eagle gold coin, with an estimated value between $1,700 and $1,800, was deposited in a red kettle at the Midtown Walmart store Tuesday night. The organization is asking Alaskans across the state to make $12 donations in its kettles to commemorate Wednesday's date, 12/12/12. (Courtesy Salvation Army in Alaska / December 12, 2012) |
The Salvation Army in Alaska is asking people to mark Wednesday’s once-in-a-century date -- 12/12/12 -- by making $12 donations to its red kettles at stores and malls across the state.
According to Salvation Army in Alaska spokesperson Jenni Ragland, many Alaskans don’t often think about the disproportionate impact their money can have in helping those in need.
“We don’t give a second thought to spending $12 for lunch or coffee on the way to work every day, but we’re asking Alaskans to invest that $12 tomorrow and make an impact in someone’s life,” Ragland said.
The organization says it can use $12 in a variety of ways, ranging from a Christmas toy for a child to a food box for a frail senior.
One donation Tuesday night was slightly more than $12, however: a one-ounce 2012 American Eagle gold coin, which Ragland says was dropped into a kettle at the Midtown Anchorage Walmart at 3101 A St. Its value matches the current price per ounce of gold, which is fluctuating between $1,700 and $1,800.
While Salvation Army staff in Alaska have heard about gold coins being deposited in Lower 48 kettles, Ragland says Tuesday’s discovery was “not our typical donation.”
“It’s the first gold coin (I’ve seen here), and I’ve been here 30 years,” Ragland said.
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