Salvation Army board member and volunteer Wayne Reeb holds up the gold coin that was given to the Harmony-Zelienople unit. Submitted photo

The annual ring of the Salvation Army bell came with an unexpected, but familiar surprise for volunteers with the Harmony-Zelienople unit.

Lisa Zierden, a campaign coordinator for the local group, said another gold coin was discovered shortly after the organization kicked off its annual kettle campaign just before Thanksgiving.

While she declined to share specific details for privacy reasons, she described the find as “a happy and welcome shock.”

“We honestly weren’t sure we would see one this year,” Zierden said. “The value of gold has nearly doubled since last year, so we didn’t know if the individual who gave it before would be that generous again. But there it was. We were really, really happy about that. It will go a long way in helping us.”

Zierden said the unit raised about $20,000 last year and that they “hope to exceed that this year.”

Meanwhile, the rest of the Salvation Army Western Pennsylvania Division is seeking to meet its holiday fundraising goals.

With Christmas Eve quickly approaching, the organization has reached less than half of its Red Kettle Campaign goal across 28 counties. As of this week, the division has raised $933,912, which translates to a little over 40% of its $2.3 million target.

In Allegheny County, for example, the nonprofit has collected $213,869 toward a $527,000 goal.

Zierden said the Harmony-Zelienople community has nevertheless shown strong support so far. Volunteers have noticed plenty of generosity at local kettle sites, including from individuals who said they once relied on Salvation Army assistance themselves.

“That’s really touching to see,” she said. “This is a small community, and people look out for each other — even when they don’t have a lot themselves.”

The Harmony-Zelienople Unit will continue its fundraising campaign at BiLo in Jackson Township and Walgreens in Zelienople from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays through Dec. 22. Nearly all of the money raised stays within the local area to support families in need.

Funds raised in the days leading up to Christmas Eve sustain essential services, including feeding initiatives, rent and utility assistance, seasonal assistance, youth empowerment and spiritual programs, according to a Salvation Army news release.

Those who prefer digital giving may also donate by texting KETTLE to 31333, then entering their ZIP code so that the funds stay local.