More Valuables Turning Up In Salvation Army Red Kettles

BOSTON (AP) _ Generous donors are again filling up the Salvation Army's holiday red kettles across Massachusetts.

The charitable organization says more valuables are appearing in their signature kettles after a wedding band and a diamond engagement ring were donated earlier this month in Lowell.

Engagement rings were dropped in kettles in Boston and Framingham recently. A vintage ladies watch and emerald jewelry was left in Swampscott. And silver dollars from the late 1800s have been left in kettles in Woburn, Salem and Lowell each bearing a note saying, ``In Memory of Mom.''

Last December, a widow's donation of her wedding and diamond engagement rings in Boston touched off a wave of similar giving.

The charity says donations are down about 14 percent from last year but it hopes to raise $3.4 million.