True Christmas Spirit: Diamond Rings,Pendant Dropped in Salvation Army Red Kettle

The Salvation Army Red Kettle in Boston this season has had some generous donors. A widow donated her wedding and engagement ring, for which another lady gave $21,000  so that they could be given back.

Adding to the spirit of giving is the donation of a diamond pendant that an Australian woman gave to show her gratitude to the city which embraced her and her son.The Salvation Army says the pendant is valued at $1,500,  

The anonymous donor said she was inspired by the donation of the widow who gave up her rings so that the money could be used to buy toys for poor children. Another Salvation Army volunteer hearing of the generosity decided to give $21,000, ten times the value of the rings and requested that they be given back to the original owner.

"I want to be involved in this because it's about the spirit of Christmas, the spirit of giving," the buyer told the Salvation Army, which announced the rings' sale Monday, reports the Associated Press. "My wish is that the rings can be returned to this woman who gave them up in memory of her husband for the sake of children at Christmas." 

"One expression of love has inspired another grand gesture to help those in need during the holiday season," Massachusetts Salvation Army Major David Davis said. "Because of these two amazing individuals, our Salvation Army officers, staff and individuals will be able to extend our outreach to the many families and children in need. We are dedicated to fulfilling the sentiment behind these two heartfelt donations." 

The Red Kettle was started in 1891 by Salvation Army Captain Joseph McFee who wanted to feed the poor and hungry in San Francisco during the Christmas season. He had no funds and then was inspired by the memory of a red kettle in his native Britain. He remembered a big red pot placed at the end of a ship landing place in Liverpool called the "Simpson's Pot" in which passers by tossed coins to feed the poor.

Captain McFee placed a similar pot at the Oakland Ferry Landing at the foot of Market Street with a sign that read, "Keep the Pot Boiling." He soon had enough money to feed the destitute on Christmas.