Anonymous donor drops gold coin worth $1,200 and note in Salvation Army kettle

GRAYSLAKE, Ill. -- An anonymous donor dropped a gold coin worth about $1,200 and a heartfelt note into a Salvation Army Red Kettle at a Jewel-Osco store in north suburban Grayslake.

The note read, in part, "Just a small token for everything you do for the less fortunate. This is the least I can do."

The Salvation Army Red Kettle campaigns have been an American tradition since 1891. They help raise financial support for critical programs and services throughout the year, the organization said.