Widow’s rings donated to buy toys for needy children sells for $21K

Earlier this month, a widow dropped a letter inside a Salvation Army kettle outside Boston’s North Station. Wrapped inside the letter was a diamond engagement ring and a wedding band.

The note explained that the woman’s husband had been a generous man and she was donating her rings in his honour. She asked that the rings be sold, with the proceeds used to buy toys for children in need.

“I’ve dropped my wedding ring in your Red Kettle knowing that the money from its sale will buy toys for needy children. In all seasons, my husband was a giver. I especially remember his joy in giving at Christmastime, especially to those in need. To honour his memory, I donate this ring,” the woman’s note read.

“I’m hoping there’s someone out there who made lots of money this year and will buy the ring for 10 times its worth. After all, there’s no price on love or the sentimental value of this ring. But money will help the kids.”

According to Massachusetts Salvation Army Major David Davis, the engagement ring alone was valued at $1,850 in 2003. (The rings accompanied a recent appraisal.)

“We’re so moved and incredibly grateful to the generous individual who made such a loving and kind donation,” Davis said in a statement shortly after the rings were donated. “This heartwarming gift boosts all of our staff, bell-ringers and volunteers.”

The Salvation Army spread the news of the donated rings, and multiple offers to purchase the rings came in.

The winning bidder was another widow — and a former Salvation Army volunteer. Just as the donor wanted, the former volunteer offered to buy the rings for more than 10 times their worth: $21,000.

"I want to be involved in this because it’s about the spirit of Christmas, the spirit of giving," the buyer told the Salvation Army. “My wish is that the rings can be returned to this woman who gave them up in memory of her husband for the sake of children at Christmas.”

“One expression of love has inspired another grand gesture to help those in need during the holiday season,” Davis said. “Because of these two amazing individuals, our Salvation Army officers, staff and individuals will be able to extend our outreach to the many families and children in need. We are dedicated to fulfilling the sentiment behind these two heartfelt donations.”

The Salvation Army is now hoping the original donor will step forward so her rings can be returned to her.

“We certainly hope that the original donor has been paying attention to all the stories that this has generated and we hope that she’s been gratified, and maybe that she would come forward in light of this new information. But we have not heard from anyone at this point,” Drew Forster, spokesman for the Massachusetts Salvation Army, told the Boston Globe.