A Minnesota chapter of the Salvation Army got a major surprise on Saturday when a couple, who asked to remain anonymous, dropped a $500,000 check into the organization's red kettle outside a Cub Foods in the Twin Cities suburb of Rosemount.
When the couple first gave the donation, the local firefighters who were handling the bell-ringing duties that day were unaware of the size of the check. However, the Salvation Army's major-gifts manager was notified of the incoming gift in advance, and went to collect the proceeds himself, according to the Minneapolis Star-Tribune.
Salvation Army spokeswoman Julie Borgen confirmed that the couple's check cleared Monday, but declined to reveal the couple's identity. "We have been in touch with the donors, but they want to remain anonymous," she said.
A statement from the couple revealed that this isn't the first time the couple has given to the Army, inspired by memories of their own money troubles and the service of one of their fathers in World War I, reported NBC News. However, this is the biggest check the pair has ever given, and according to spokeswoman Annette Bauer, it's the biggest one in the Minneapolis/St.Paul area and likely the biggest one ever in Minnesota.
"You get to a point in life where it's time to take care of others, the way you were taken care of," the donors said.
The local Salvation Army chapter expressed great joy at receiving the donation, noting that its goal of reaching $11.6 million for its Christmas campaign might not be too far off, according to FOX News.
"We are simply stunned and honored to have received such a generous gift," said Maj. Jeff Strickler, the Salvation Army's commander in the Twin Cities. "This is a true blessing, and it could not come at a better time for the Salvation Army and the people we serve."