The Salvation Army says its first gold coin this year was found in a "red kettle" in the same Illinois county where its first gold coin was found in 1982.

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An anonymous donor first dropped a gold coin in a Salvation Army kettle in 1982 in McHenry County, Ill., and ever since the Salvation Army has received more than 310 gold coins of every type.

"Once again, we are delighted to receive this very special gift, in what has become a tradition of the season," said Lt. Col. David E. Grindle, Salvation Army Divisional Commander.

However, Grindle emphasized that every coin and dollar thrown into kettles throughout the Chicago area is valuable.

"What the generous people of Chicagoland share with us is not just money. What they share with us is the ability to feed the hungry, shelter the homeless, provide winter coats to those in need, and bring a smile to the face of a child with a toy and meal so they too can share in the warmth of the season," he said.