Saint Grand returns!
Saint Grand is back!
This past week, the Twin Cities Salvation Army received four separate donations of $1,000 in red kettles in the north metro area. Each gift was a bundle of crisp new $100 bills, suggesting that the anonymous and affectionately-named donor “Saint Grand” has returned for the 11th consecutive year.
Saint Grand started donating at the red kettles in 2011, with numerous gifts of $1,000 dropped in various locations. Multiple donations of at least $1,000 continued for several years – always in new $100 bills – earning the unknown donor the Saint Grand moniker.
Not counting this year’s gifts, Saint Grand has donated a total of $152,500 to Salvation Army kettles since 2011. After 11 Christmases, his or her identity remains a mystery.
“These gifts could not come at a better time,” said Lt. Colonel Dan Jennings, commander of The Salvation Army Northern Division, which includes Minnesota and North Dakota. “We may never know the identity of Saint Grand, but we want this donor to know how grateful we are, as these gifts will directly help those experiencing hardships from the pandemic.”
Jennings added that he wanted to extend his personal thanks to all kettle bell-ringers and donors for their support during a particularly challenging time for everyone.
The Twin Cities Salvation Army hopes to raise $12 million during its 2021 Christmas campaign, which runs through Dec 31. Donations made at local red kettles are always used for programs to assist people right here in the Twin Cities. In addition, the funds raised during the holiday giving season help to provide services all year round.
Thousands of bell-ringing shifts remain unfilled. You can help by signing up to ring.
You can do something good this holiday season by donating to The Salvation Army, volunteering, or ringing bells at a Red Kettle. Your help will provide food, shelter and care for local families in need. Because of you, Hope Marches On.