Diamond Ring Dropped in Salvation Army Kettle in Miami

Anonymous donor gives $2,000 ring to charity

The holiday spirit is alive and well in Miami after an anonymous donor dropped a diamond ring into a Salvation Army kettle Friday.

Miami-Dade Salvation Army Capt. Linda Payton said her office received a call around 1 p.m. from a woman who wanted to remain anonymous.

"She said that she had just left something in the kettle in front of Kmart and that it was something special," Payton said.

Payton said she personally went to the Kmart in Pinecrest to retrieve the kettle and bring it back to the office.

"Inside the kettle was, wrapped in a rubber band, a $50 bill and inside the $50 bill was a note, and inside the note was a ring," Payton said.

"They need more than I. Do good! A Friend," the simple note read.

The ring, which features two diamonds and a sapphire, was immediately appraised at $2,000, Payton said.

It was the second time in two years that something "special" had been dropped in a Salvation Army kettle in the area.

Last year a gold nugget, which was later auctioned for $4,000, was found with a similar note.

"It's just wonderful for the community, we're just the conduit, they're the ones who will receive it," Payton said.

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