Couple give gold bars to Salvation Army

HOWELL, Mich., Dec. 18 (UPI) -- A Livingston County, Mich., couple said they have dropped bars of gold into Salvation Army donation kettles during the holiday season for the past four years.

Frank and Pam Whittman most recently deposited a gold bar valued at more than $1,600 and wrapped in $100 bills in a kettle outside of a Wal-Mart in Howell, WDIV-TV, Detroit, reported Thursday.

"It really warms our hearts because it shows there's people out there who really care," said Capt. Aaron Ortman of the Livingston County Salvation Army. "Everything that we raise through our red kettle campaign and our Christmas campaign not only helps people within the Christmas season ... but it helps us help people throughout the year."

Frank Whittman, a former machinist, said he spent a lot of time at the Salvation Army while he was growing up in Detroit and wanted to give back to the organization. He said he obtained the gold bars years ago when their value was lower.