Gold coins found in Batavia, Geneva Salvation Army kettles

Kicking off a seasonal tradition, gold coins were found in Salvation Army red kettles over the weekend outside stores in Batavia and Geneva, organization officials announced Monday.

One anonymous donor dropped a 1-ounce American Buffalo coin into a kettle outside a Jewel-Osco store in Batavia Saturday, officials said. A 1-ounce fine gold Standing Liberty coin showed up in a kettle at a Starbucks in Geneva the same day, according to a news release.

Both coins were valued between $1,900 to $2,000, officials said.

The tradition of unknown donors dropping gold and silver coins into the Salvation Army red kettles outside of businesses at Christmastime has been going on for decades.

“These gifts will allow us to show support and love to families who are struggling to stay in their homes, put a warm meal on the table, and provide Christmas gifts for their children,” Salvation Army Lt. Scott Smith said in a statement.

The coins donated in Batavia and Geneva will go toward funding services at the Salvation Army’s Tri-City Corps Joe K. Anderson Community Center, located in St. Charles, according to the organization.

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