Gold cash present in Salvation Military pink kettles in Batavia, Geneva

Kicking off a seasonal custom, gold cash have been present in Salvation Military pink kettles over the weekend exterior shops in Batavia and Geneva, group officers introduced Monday.

One nameless donor dropped a 1-ounce American Buffalo coin right into a kettle exterior a Jewel-Osco retailer in Batavia Saturday, officers stated. A 1-ounce nice gold Standing Liberty coin confirmed up in a kettle at a Starbucks in Geneva the identical day, in accordance with a information launch.

Each cash are valued between $1,900 to $2,000, officers stated.

The custom of unknown donors dropping gold and silver cash into the Salvation Military pink kettles exterior of companies at Christmastime has been occurring for many years.

“These presents will enable us to indicate help and like to households who’re struggling to remain of their houses, put a heat meal on the desk, and supply Christmas presents for his or her kids,” Salvation Military Lt. Scott Smith stated in an announcement.

The cash donated in Batavia and Geneva will go towards funding providers on the Salvation Military’s Tri-Metropolis Corps Joe Ok. Anderson Group Heart, positioned in St. Charles, in accordance with the group.

mejones@chicagotribune.com