Salvation Army of Kosciusko County red kettle efforts have come to an end and $71,209.49 has been raised. This year’s goal was $80,000, according to Esteban Pommier, Salvation Army cadet. Red kettle efforts began Dec. 12 and ended Dec. 24. These funds will go to support Salvation Army’s food pantry, and children, youth and adult programming for 2012. In addition to the $71,209.49 raised, Warsaw Rotary raised $51,000 during its Salvation Army Day Dec. 23. United Way of Kosciusko County also has provided funds for Salvation Army’s rental assistance program. One of the highlights of the red kettle efforts this year was a 1927 British King George Sovereign Gold Coin that was discovered Dec. 24 in a Salvation Army red kettle at Marsh. It is not a full ounce gold coin, but is worth approximately $500, according to Ken Locke, Salvation Army community ministries director. The coin was dropped in a red kettle at Marsh Dec. 23, and was discovered Dec. 24 by Locke when he was counting the money. The coin was wrapped in a $1 bill, Locke said. Locke said it has been three years since the Salvation Army received a gold coin. There were other large donations this year, including $100 bills dropped in red kettles. Pommier said the Salvation Army’s main priority is that change and self sufficiency will happen in the lives of those who the money will go toward assisting. It was previously reported that a Silver Dollar Coin was discovered Dec. 15 at Big R, Warsaw. The silver coin is worth approximately $29, and was discovered by Bryte Cleveland, Salvation Army secretary, and Oralia Minerath, Salvation Army receptionist.
