$1,500 coin dropped in Salvation Army kettle

A Fort Collins tradition continued this year after a gold coin valued at $1,500 was dropped in a Salvation Army kettle by a mystery donor Saturday.

This is the 16th year in a row that a Krugerrand coin — a South African gold coin that was first minted in the 1960s — has been dropped in a Fort Collins Salvation Army kettle anonymously. It was dropped in the kettle at Hobby Lobby, 4106 S. College Ave.

Captain Isaias Braga of the Salvation Army says the organization's local red kettle campaign has so far seen donations that include checks, precious metals and, now, its yearly Krugerrand coin.

"The Salvation Army thanks the community and encourage the maintenance of the good spirit as Christmas is approaching. Your support to help the needy this season is not only appreciated, it is very much needed," Braga wrote to the Coloradoan.