A generous tradition in Chicago continues with the Salvation Army and the golden coins

Gordon Matilla--One of the heartwarming features of the film Ghost came when actress Whoopi Goldberg handed a check of $4 million to a couple of nuns. In Chicago, someone, or several someones, dropped $5500 worth of gold coins into a Salvation Army Kettle, which may not be a fortune but is surely something special to celebrate as a generous act. This is apparently a tradition in Chicago. 

“This time of year, we are reminded of the generosity of our donors, and the needs of our clients,” said Captain David Martinez of The Salvation Army Des Plaines Corps. “Gold coins are important, not only because of the direct benefit that the additional funds provide to the people that we serve, but also because it provides both our bell ringers and our community with more optimism for the year to come.” he $50 coins were dropped into a kettle in Lake Zurich Wednesday and have a total value of $5,200, according to the Salvation Army.

The holiday season’s first golden coins reportedly have been dropped in a suburban Salvation Army red kettle, and more are expected. Four $50 gold coins were dropped into a Salvation Army kettle in Lake Zurich. These have come from anonymous donors following a tradition that began 30 years ago in the Chicago area. Since then 400 gold coins have been received during the holidays.