Diamond ring dropped in Massachusetts Salvation Army kettle

BILLERICA, Mass.- A generous gift was dropped in a Salvation Army kettle in Billerica, Massachusetts, and the gift will give many people in the area a happier holiday.

CBS Boston reports that it was just a regular day at Market Basket in Billerica, where the Salvation Army was collecting donations. But when the kettle was brought to the Lowell area headquarters it became a very atypical day.

"I was quite shocked actually," said Capt. David Childs. "I paused for a moment and I said, I found a ring!"

It was a diamond engagement ring, given anonymously.

"We had it appraised and they said the replacement value for this would be about $3,500," said Capt. Childs to CBS Boston.

Last December there was several jewelry donations placed in red kettles throughout Massachusetts. First, wedding rings in Boston, a cross in Brookline, a pendant in Fitchburg and more rings in Weymouth.

But CBS Boston reports that this is the first time the Lowell area Salvation Army has received such a gift.

"It's pretty heartwarming. To know that somebody would give something of this value, something personal like that of themselves," said Capt. Childs. "We're going to help over 600 families with food, the children in those families will get toys and clothes, just to make their holiday time special."

The ring will be auctioned off on Saturday.

Earlier this month, a $500,000 check was dropped into a Salvation Army kettle in Minnesota.