Wedding rings found in Salvation Army kettle in Wake County

Raleigh, N.C. — Someone donated a diamond ring and a wedding band to the Salvation Army of Wake County over the weekend, the charity announced on Monday.

The rings were found wrapped in a $10 bill in one of the nonprofit's red kettles. The group is having the rings appraised to find out the value.

Money placed in the kettles supplements the charity's toy and clothing donations.

Salvation Army representatives said the rings are encouraging since donations have been down 10 percent over the past year.

Earlier this month, officials said a woman's 14-karat gold wedding band and engagement ring were left in a Salvation Army kettle outside the Fresh Market in Hendersonville. They were wrapped in a dollar bill with an appraisal notice saying they were worth $1,500.

More Info Coats for the Children

The Salvation Army of Wake County will be distributing gifts to more than 3,500 families this week.

About 100 children were not adopted from the charity's Angel Trees at local malls this year, but officials said kettle donations have helped provide those children with warm clothing and toys.

The Salvation Army’s Toy Shop warehouse, 2116-D New Bern Ave. in Raleigh, is open Monday through Wednesday for parents who registered their children for the Angel Tree to pickup the gifts.

Single mother Jessica Maloney picked up warm clothes and toys for her two children on Monday.

"If not (for the Salvation Army), I wouldn't be able to do anything for my kids, period. It's kind of sad when you look at your kids, and they're looking at you, like 'Where's my present at, Mom?'" Maloney said.

Seventh-grader Spencer Mangum saw a story on WRAL News about families in need, so he raised $487 to buy toys for the Salvation Army. On Monday, he volunteered to help distribute them.

The Salvation Army of Wake County said it has enough donations to fill the need for the holidays, but there will always be families in need.

"It does not stop," Salvation Army spokeswoman Haven Sink said. "We hope people will keep that spirit of giving alive as we go into the new year."

Find out more about WRAL’s 23rd Annual Coats & Toys for the Children campaign, which is also helping Salvation Army families this holiday season.

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Latest Comments

Never trust a jewelrey store appraisal, especially if it comes from the mall... those things can be inflated to at least double what it is really worth.

I am willing to bet that some scorned woman tossed that in there to spite her ex.

I personally will not support these bell ringers, they are annoying, especially the one at the CV Harris Teeter... that fella makes snide comments to those who choose to ignore him.

ProudBlackSingleMother
December 23, 2011 8:12 a.m.

I just want to say that I very happily donated today to the salvation Army outside of Harris Teeter in Cameron Village....and Monca I went ahead and put $20 in the kettle on your behalf. Merry Christmas to all!

dbop90
December 21, 2011 3:39 p.m.

Monica - The Salvation Army DOES treat "ALL people as worthy". "What is your sexual orientation?" is not a question asked when anyone walks through their doors needing assistance.

Just because they are a church that disagrees with homosexuality does not mean they discriminate against someone who is. Accepting people's right to choose DOES NOT mean approving of that choice.

So, you don't agree with their stance on homosexuality, WHO CARES?! They still do a great deal of good for their communities. If you still personally can't get past it then donate elsewhere. Your childish behavior and comments only prove your own hypocrisy.

I agree with jedichick you sound like you only believe in "tolerance" when others agree with you.

catsbay
December 20, 2011 11:52 a.m.

Dropping valuable items into a kettle is at best foolish. You would be surprised if you saw the bell ringer wearing the rings you had dropped in the kettle earlier. You have no way of knowing how much of the money donated actually gets to the salvation army office. Be safe-- if you want to contribute-- write them a check. The bell ringers dont look like they live in Cary.