Salvation Army unveils online auction for donated jewelry

The Salvation Army announced this week that it will hold an online auction to sell more than 60 pieces of jewelry that have been donated into its red kettles.

Every November, the Salvation Army brings out its red kettles, collecting donations for those in need. In 2014, the organization received a different kind of donation: a widow’s wedding and diamond engagementrings dropped into a kettle outside of North Station.

The widow included a note asking that the rings be sold to help children in need around the holidays, according to the organization. That unique act of generosity gained attention and inspired jewelry donations all across Massachusetts.

The Salvation Army received 15 more pieces of jewelry in the following weeks, raising more than $30,000. The trend has continued ever since.

“During the past two years, the outpouring of jewelry donations across Massachusetts has inspired all of us, and we’re excited to auction these precious items to raise funds to help those in need,” said Maj. Gregory Hartshorn, general secretary of The Massachusetts Salvation Army, in a news release. “Funds raised will provide toys to children in need, coats and warm meals, and to support vital programs and services in local cities and towns.”

The auction is currently live and will run until Nov. 21. Proceeds from the auction will go into the communities where the items were donated to help individuals and families in need.