WHITEFISH BAY, Wis. — Throughout the holiday season, the Salvation Army scatters its iconic red kettles throughout Wisconsin, as bell ringers ask for donations, typically in the form of spare change. Maybe someone has a few extra dollars they can spare.

But one chunk of change came as a surprise in Whitefish Bay.

The Salvation Army of Milwaukee County said a gold coin was found in one of its red kettles last week.

“This means so much to us because we can help more people with basic needs and will help to keep our programs going,” Major Beverly Gates, area commander for The Salvation Army of Milwaukee County, said.

Salvation Army said the gold coin has an estimated value of $2,800. Someone donated it on Dec. 11, dropping it in a kettle at Winkie’s in Whitefish Bay.

“This generous donation in our kettle was a wonderful surprise,” Gates said. “We are so blessed to have a community that supports us and helps us care for those most in need.”

Salvation Army said its goal is to raise $3.5 million this holiday season. With $1.4 million raised so far, the gold coin is helping the organization inch just a little bit closer to its goal.

Red Kettles will continue collecting donations until Christmas Eve. Donations can be made at red kettles or by texting MKE to 24365.