A secret Santa delivered a major gift the day before Christmas. On the final day of the Richmond Salvation Army’s annual Red Kettle Campaign, a golden coin was discovered among the donations, worth over $4,000.
The one-ounce gold Krugerrand was found tucked inside a folded one-dollar bill that was collected outside Hobby Lobby’s storefront.
“It was quite the surprise as it was in the next-to-the-last bucket of the season,” Major Charles Pinkston said in a news release. “What an amazing gift to be able to share in helping those in need here in Wayne County!”
The Christmas Eve miracle helped the Salvation Army reach its goal of $35,000 raised leading up to the holiday. Just days before, they were merely $2,000 short. Now, they are better prepared to meet community needs in the new year.
For more information on supporting or volunteering, contact Major Pinkston at 765-966-7791.
A version of this article appeared in the January 14 2026 print edition of the Western Wayne News.