The Salvation Army's secret Santa is at it again, even during the pandemic.
For the eighth consecutive year, a gold Krugerrand was dropped into a red kettle -- this one, the Kroger on Marter Road in St. Clair Shores. The rare coin first minted in South Africa in 1967 is worth about $2,000.
Who dropped it and where they got it is a perennial mystery. The location where the coin is delivered always varies and no one at the kettle has reported seeing the special visitor.
Whoever it is, the donation brings the Army closer to its goal of raising $8 million in 2020 to help families in desperate need.
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This year, the Salvation Army kicked off its campaign earlier than ever, declaring in September they were putting out red kettles to do everything they can to "rescue Christmas."
Even with this increased time span for red kettles it expects to see up to a 50% decrease in donations.
“Our ability to raise vital funds to serve those in need this Christmas and beyond is at risk,” said Commissioner Kenneth Hodder, the charity's national commander, in a news release. “We need everyone who has the capacity to come alongside us and ensure that the holiday season is bright for millions in need.”
The organization said requests for help are at all-time high and it estimates it could serve up to 155% more people this year. At Christmas, the Salvation Army does everything from providing food for the elderly to putting presents under the tree of families who otherwise wouldn't have Christmas.