This is one story that is sure to make you smile.
An anonymous couple slipped a $US500,000 ($693,000) cheque into a Salvation Army collection bucket in Minnesota, America.
The bellringers were oblivious to the size of the cheque but the couple had tipped off the Salvation Army’s major gifts manager who picked up the bucket himself.
“We are simply stunned and honoured 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.”
In a statement released through the charity the couple said they hoped their donation would encourage others to give generously.
They also noted that they were inspired by memories of their own money troubles and by one of their fathers, whom they said served in WWI and had fond memories of the Salvation Army’s “doughnut girls”, who provided coffee and baked goods to weary soldiers in the trenches.
“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.
