The holiday spirit hit one Minnesota couple in a big way over the weekend.
They dropped a $500,000 check into the Salvation Army kettle at a Cub Foods in Rosemount, Minnesota, on Saturday.
The couple wants to remain anonymous. They told the agency that they hoped their large donation would encourage others to be generous.
They also said they were honoring a family legacy — one of their fathers served in World War I and especially loved the Salvation Army Donut Lassies, who brought coffee and donuts to soldiers.
The couple added that they remember what it was like to be in need, admitting they often relied on food thrown away by grocery stores when they were young and money was tight. “You get to a point in life where it’s time to take care of others, the way you were taken care of,” they said.
The Twin Cities Salvation Army says it’s the largest single donation they’ve ever received.
“We are simply stunned and honored to have received such a generous gift,” said Major Jeff Strickler, Twin Cities Salvation Army commander. “This is a true blessing and it could not come at a better time for The Salvation Army and the people we serve.”
The gift puts the organization well on its way to its $11.6 million Christmas campaign goal.