Everett Salvation Army To Benefit From Gold Coin In Kettle

Got a nice piece of news to the inbox this afternoon…

The Salvation Army in Everett received a very generous donation in the red kettle last night. An anonymous donor dropped a 1-ounce gold coin in the bucket at Fred Meyer, on 164th in Lynnwood. The bell ringer, Shane, has been working at the red kettle all season, usually at the grocery entrance door at this Fred Meyer store.

A bit about Shane; he’s homeless and sleeps at The Salvation Army cold-weather shelter in Everett when temperatures drop below 32 degrees. Shane works as a paid bell ringer this season. Recently unemployed from construction work, this is his first year as a bell ringer. He is currently looking for a full-time job. “I don’t know who dropped it in the kettle, but I know The Salvation Army will use it to help others, like me, who need help,” said Shane. When the temperature is above 32 degrees, Shane sleeps outdoors.

Lts. Jeremy and Andrea Reedy, directors of The Salvation Army in Everett, say that Shane is “one of the best bell ringers ever. He is very friendly, greeting every shopper as they enter/exit the store, even if they don’t drop a donation in the bucket.”

The gold coin, a 1997 Liberty gold coin, will be authenticated and is expected to be valued about $1,200. “This money will go a long way in helping people in Everett,” said Lt. Andrea Reedy. “We still have to raise about $20,000 to meet our goal in Everett. So, we hope our neighbors are inspired by Shane and this anonymous donation – and rally to help us meet our goal during these final days.” There are 35 red kettles throughout Everett, and bell ringers will be out through Saturday evening (not Sunday).

Note: The Salvation Army uses a combination of volunteer and paid bell ringers at the red kettles. For our paid bell ringers, the job offers important job training and experience. Offering employment to people who may not otherwise have work is part of the mission of The Salvation Army.