Sometimes walking past a bell ringer at one of the Salvation Army’s iconic red kettles inspires someone to reach into their pocket and give to those in need. That’s exactly what happened recently in New York City and now the Salvation Army hopes to find him to say thanks.
The man walked up to a volunteer in Manhattan earlier this month and handed over an envelope with $1,020 inside, along with a heartwarming handwritten note. The letter explains he was heading to the Apple Store to buy a new iPhone, but after seeing the kettle, he was “reminded of those in need.” He writes, “It was very cold and windy outside. I am lucky I have a warm home. I have hot food. I even have an iPhone from 2017 that works perfectly well.” He asks them to put the money to “better use.”
Tim Hayes, the bell ringer who took that donation calls it fantastic and says, “That’s one of the magical things about New York - there are people who do that.” Rebecca Smith, who runs the Salvation Army’s fundraising department for Greater New York, says donations are down, while need is up and this money will provide 430 meals. “That’s a lot of bellies that are going to be full because of his generosity,” she adds, “We’re so, so grateful.”
Read the full story HERE.
Photo: Getty Images