Anonymous Couple Drops $500,000 in Salvation Army Kettle

A couple of big spenders dropped the largest single donation into a Salvation Army kettle in the Twin Cities.

The Minnesota couple, who wish to remain anonymous, placed a check for $500,000 into a red kettle over the weekend, breaking the previous state record of $25,000, reports USA Today.

“We are simply stunned and honored to have received such a generous gift,” said Major Jeff Strickler, commander of Twin Cities Salvation Army. “This is a true blessing and it could not come at a better time for The Salvation Army and the people we serve.”

The couple said they wanted to honor one of their fathers, after the Salvation Army made a lasting impression upon him with the free coffee and doughnuts they provided during World War I. The couple also said that when they were young and money was tight, they say they had to rely on charity to eat, so they decided to give to others in need.

“You get to a point in life where it’s time to take care of others, the way you were taken care of,” the anonymous donors said, according to USA Today.