topic Donating fine jewelry in the Salvation Army red buckets in Jewelry

Donating fine jewelry in the Salvation Army red buckets

nysmom — Fri, 26 Dec 2014 11:50:34 GMT

While waiting for family to arrive Christmas morning, I heard a little story on the radio about people donating precious jewelry in the bell ringers' buckets. It sounded like it was something that was growing more common in some areas of the country. At first, I thought that maybe items had slipped off people's hands when tossing in coins. But the story said that notes were included that explained that the engagement and wedding rings etc. were intended as donations. In the case of failed relationships, I think that it is a sad but incredibly generous and kindhearted gesture.

Re: Donating fine jewelry in the Salvation Army red buckets

colliegirls — Fri, 26 Dec 2014 13:31:10 GMT

That jewelry will never see a charity, someone will take it.

Re: Donating fine jewelry in the Salvation Army red buckets

Longtallsally — Fri, 26 Dec 2014 13:46:22 GMT

The Salvation Army is a very giving and caring organization. They do so much for communities. Thank you for sharing this.

Re: Donating fine jewelry in the Salvation Army red buckets

Desertdi — Fri, 26 Dec 2014 13:51:45 GMT

More work for the SA.......now they have to sell it

Re: Donating fine jewelry in the Salvation Army red buckets

NickNack — Fri, 26 Dec 2014 14:32:05 GMT

I don't think that's a good idea at all. I would be afraid of theft. Selling it yourself and donating the money would be much better.

Re: Donating fine jewelry in the Salvation Army red buckets

circles — Fri, 26 Dec 2014 14:35:25 GMT

On 12/26/2014 NickNack said:
I don't think that's a good idea at all. I would be afraid of theft. Selling it yourself and donating the money would be much better.

ITA.....

I heard the other day that they fell short in donations this year...by a huge amount....that is very sad....

Re: Donating fine jewelry in the Salvation Army red buckets

151949 — Fri, 26 Dec 2014 15:04:09 GMT

I think the SA suffers now a days because most people do all their shopping using credit cards. So when they are walking past the bell ringers they don't have that handful of change that everyone used to have and would drop in the bucket.

At least for us - I know - we have rewards cards so we buy everything possible using the cards to get bigger rewards.

Re: Donating fine jewelry in the Salvation Army red buckets

FlowershopGirl — Fri, 26 Dec 2014 20:11:33 GMT

There are also ""other"" reasons that some won't donate money to the SA so that could very well contribute to their lower funds. Many would rather give their donations to groups who accept people from all walks of life.

Re: Donating fine jewelry in the Salvation Army red buckets

dooBdoo — Fri, 26 Dec 2014 20:36:10 GMT

I don't see why the jewelry would be any more susceptible to theft than the cash placed in the containers every day. And while it does require the Salvation Army to take an extra step (to sell the jewelry), they do have stores so they're accustomed to selling goods. I guess I don't understand the criticism of those who wish to give to others who are less fortunate.

Re: Donating fine jewelry in the Salvation Army red buckets

wishmoon — Fri, 26 Dec 2014 20:52:16 GMT

On 12/26/2014 FlowershopGirl said:
There are also "other" reasons that some won't donate money to the SA so that could very well contribute to their lower funds. Many would rather give their donations to groups who accept people from all walks of life.

ITA. I wondered why they would ever voice their opinion, I've always given to them before but will give to another organization until they change their stance.

Re: Donating fine jewelry in the Salvation Army red buckets

esmeraldagooch — Fri, 26 Dec 2014 21:45:22 GMT

They serve everyone. I like them.

Re: Donating fine jewelry in the Salvation Army red buckets

golding76 — Fri, 26 Dec 2014 22:04:57 GMT

The only drawback I see is that fine jewelry does not enjoy a good return in the marketplace. Gold coins (Krugerrands) and gold pieces are another story.

(We have to have faith that those in charge are honest. If any organization has proved its integrity, it is the Salvation Army.)

Re: Donating fine jewelry in the Salvation Army red buckets

RedTop — Fri, 26 Dec 2014 23:04:29 GMT

I support the Salvation Army locally in several ways, but cannot see myself donating gold jewelry. However, I never pass a red kettle without making a donation.

Re: Donating fine jewelry in the Salvation Army red buckets

daisyk — Fri, 26 Dec 2014 23:40:51 GMT

I may be cynical also but I would doubt the jewelry would get to it's intended destination. As someone else said, better to sell it and donate the money. I didn't see any donation kettles when I was out and about this season. Years past they used to hang out at Walmart. I didn't see any this year.

Re: Donating fine jewelry in the Salvation Army red buckets

va603 — Sat, 27 Dec 2014 04:04:12 GMT

On 12/26/2014 circles said:
On 12/26/2014 NickNack said:
I don't think that's a good idea at all. I would be afraid of theft. Selling it yourself and donating the money would be much better.

ITA.....

I heard the other day that they fell short in donations this year...by a huge amount....that is very sad....

I noticed this year that there were far fewer bell ringers out. I never pass by without giving a few dollars. I think I only encountered two or three the whole season.

Re: Donating fine jewelry in the Salvation Army red buckets

divine — Sat, 27 Dec 2014 04:11:05 GMT

On 12/26/2014 va603 said:
On 12/26/2014 circles said:
On 12/26/2014 NickNack said:
I don't think that's a good idea at all. I would be afraid of theft. Selling it yourself and donating the money would be much better.

ITA.....

I heard the other day that they fell short in donations this year...by a huge amount....that is very sad....

I noticed this year that there were far fewer bell ringers out. I never pass by without giving a few dollars. I think I only encountered two or three the whole season.

(My bolding)

Yes, I also noticed that there weren't any bell ringers at the stores where I shopped. They were at these stores last Christmas, and I wonder why they weren't around this year? I'm thinking someone might have complained. I just donated directly to them this year.

Re: Donating fine jewelry in the Salvation Army red buckets

Q4u — Sat, 27 Dec 2014 04:12:25 GMT

Oh my.... I'm another one who thinks that the jewelry will never make it to the charity....

Re: Donating fine jewelry in the Salvation Army red buckets

BellaPaprika — Sat, 27 Dec 2014 04:26:51 GMT

Well, all of you are wrong who think the jewelry won't make it to the charity. Another woman bought them for 10x their value and gave them back to the donor who was a widow. What a great story! As to criticism of the Salvation Army, they have denied discrimination in hiring but remember they are a church and a church has the right under civil rights law to inquire into a person's beliefs before hiring them.

http://foxct.com/2014/12/15/widows-rings-bought-from-salvation-army-for-21000/

Re: Donating fine jewelry in the Salvation Army red buckets

Desi — Sat, 27 Dec 2014 04:31:33 GMT

I would also normally think jewelry might vanish. However, this story has gone nationwide, getting coverage on news stations and Facebook. What I don't understand is that they reported that the SA will keep the jewelry until after the holiday and then deal with it. The woman who first donated her wedding set specifically asked that the money the rings brought in be used to purchase more toys for the kids. When will that happen? I'd ask for them back and figure out another way to donate them.

Re: Donating fine jewelry in the Salvation Army red buckets

BellaPaprika — Sat, 27 Dec 2014 04:45:18 GMT

On 12/26/2014 Desi said:
I would also normally think jewelry might vanish. However, this story has gone nationwide, getting coverage on news stations and Facebook. What I don't understand is that they reported that the SA will keep the jewelry until after the holiday and then deal with it. The woman who first donated her wedding set specifically asked that the money the rings brought in be used to purchase more toys for the kids. When will that happen? I'd ask for them back and figure out another way to donate them.

What you read is incorrect whoever reported it. The two women met on Monday of this week and the widow got her rings back after the other woman paid the SA $21,000 for them. It was in all the papers. And both women found out they had been bell ringers for the SA years ago. Nice ending.

http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/2014/12/23/widow-reunited-with-rings-she-donated-salvation-army/W65JU3ph64JElruCLef9GL/story.html