No golden rings for McHenry Co. kettles?

This year could be the first since 1982 when the Salvation Army of McHenry County doesn't find a gold coin in its red kettles.

That is, unless someone makes a last-minute contribution.

Christmas Eve is the last day of the Salvation Army's Red Kettle Campaign, although contributions can still be made online and via text messages through mid-January.

Bell ringers in McHenry County and throughout the country, since the practice spread nationwide, have looked forward to finding a gold coin, often a South African Krugerrand, since the first gold coin was donated in Crystal Lake in 1982.

“The bell ringer gets a gold ribbon that says, ‘I went for the gold,'” said John Price, commander of the McHenry County Salvation Army. “It raises a lot of hype with the bell ringers.”

None of the 34 kettles in the county have received a gold coin yet this season, but Price is still hopeful.

“Two years ago, a guy came up on the 24th and opened up a little folder and there was a gold coin ... he may come through for us yet,” Price said.

The gold coin is a fun tradition that draws attention to the Salvation Army's Red Kettle Campaign, a fundraiser for the nonprofit group's efforts to support the needy throughout the year.

With the economy still in recovery mode, Price says that need is greater this year.

“There are more people seeking assistance,” Price said. “The problem we've seen this year is when they come to us, the bill is about $3,000 to $4,000. We just try to keep (their utilities) from being disconnected. We're just trying to keep people in the houses they're in.”

But donations have not kept pace with the need. The McHenry County chapter estimates donations are down more than 13 percent this year. Price attributes that to the weather — not the economy.

“The first 10 days, it was 10 degrees out and there was blistering wind,” Price said. “We've never had as many people cancel as we did this year.”

The Tri-Cities chapter has seen a similar downturn in kettle donations. It estimates kettle contributions are down $10,000 from last year and it does not expect to meet its goal of $140,000 by Christmas Day.

Unlike McHenry County, the Tri-Cities chapter did receive a gold coin this month.

“It was dropped anonymously into one of our red kettles,” said Steven Koehler, commander of the Tri-Cities chapter. “When we recognize the volunteers, we reward the top four bell ringers. That gold coin may be a factor.”

The Elgin and Carpentersville chapters, though, have been doing well this season. Elgin Commander Fred Mead says they have already raised more than last year. That money, Mead says, is much needed.

“There are a few folks who were on the donor roll last year who came through for assistance this year,” Mead said. “The population we deal with shifts between the haves and the have-nots.”

The Elgin chapter hasn't received a gold coin but did get a silver piece and five bundled $100 bills.

A big reason for the Kane County chapters' success has been Carpentersville-based Otto Engineering's pledge to match all the funds collected at the Macy's kettle at Spring Hill Mall.

“Some very good donors put money in because they knew Otto would match,” Mead said. “They're doing the same thing this year.”

You can still donate. Visit salvationarmyusa.org, call (800) SAL-ARMY or mail a check to your local chapter. Addresses are available on the Salvation Army website.

Donations received through Jan. 15 will be counted toward the Salvation Army's holiday campaign.

Mead says: “It's not too late to help us out.”