Widow drops wedding rings into Salvation Army kettle in Boston

TORONTO – With the Salvation Army’s iconic red kettle campaign in full-swing a widow in Boston, Massachusetts made an extraordinary donation to honour her late husband.

The anonymous benefactor slipped a diamond engagement ring along with her wedding band into a kettle outside Boston’s North Station last week, the charity said Monday. The engagement ring was valued at $1,850, according to an appraisal the woman included along with the donation.

The donation was also accompanied by a note that said she hoped the money from the sale of the ring would go towards buying toys for needy children.

“In all seasons, my husband was a giver. I especially remember his joy in giving at Christmastime, especially to those in need. To honor his memory, I donate this ring. I’m hoping there’s someone out there who made lots of money this year and will buy the ring for ten times its worth. After all, there’s no price on love or the sentimental value of this ring. But money will help the kids. May everyone have a Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays and Happy New Year!” her note read.

Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: "In all seasons, my husband was a giver. I especially remember his joy in giving at Christmastime, especially to those in need. To honor his memory, I donate this ring. I'm hoping there's someone out there who made lots of money this year and will buy the ring for ten times its worth. After all, there's no price on love or the sentimental value of this ring. But money will help the kids. May everyone have a Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays and Happy New Year!" her note read.

Salvation Army spokesperson Drew Forster said in an email to Global News that a donor has already “bid” $3000 for the rings. Forster said the charity is vetting the offer to determine if it is genuine and hopes other offers will exceed it.

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Salvation Army Major David Davis called the donation “incredible.”

“We’re so moved and incredibly grateful to the generous individual who made such a loving and kind donation,” Davis said in a statement. “This heartwarming gift boosts all of our staff, bell-ringers and volunteers.”

WATCH: Lost diamond ring found in Salvation Army donation kettle

In a similar story, a lost diamond ring was returned to a woman by a local Salvation Army in Pennsylvania last week. The woman lost her 10-year diamond anniversary ring when it was accidentally dropped into a donation kettle along with some change.

The ring valued at $10,000 was tracked down and returned to her by the charity.