Man hopes thrift-store urn filled with ashes finds real home

PEORIA, Ill. (AP) - A thrift-store find in Illinois has prompted its buyer to find the person to whom it rightfully belongs - and might not know it's even gone.

A bargain-hunting Robert Ray spotted what was labeled a figurine in a Peoria Goodwill store. Upon closer inspection, he recognized it was actually an urn, with ashes still inside, The (Peoria) Journal Star reported.

Ray said he bought the $2.99 jar, decorated with a military-style flag and eagle, with the intention of finding the owner. He bought it in late December, just a day or two after it arrived in the store.

Goodwill officials say they don't know the source of the donation. Ray hopes someone realizes the urn is mistakenly donated and contacts the newspaper.

'œI'm shooting in the dark and hoping the best,'ť he said.