Winning lottery ticket in collection plate

BALTIMORE, March 29 (UPI) -- The pastor of a struggling Maryland parish recently came across a generous donation in the collection plate -- a $30,000 lottery ticket, officials said.

Maryland lottery officials didn't release the name of the church but did confirm the ticket had already been scratched off when it was placed in the collection plate earlier this month, WBAL-TV, Baltimore, reported Monday.

The pastor, who found the ticket when tallying that Sunday's contributions, said the church would use the money toward operating expenses but hopes some of the money can be shared with those in need.

"I have no idea who did this," the pastor told lottery workers, admitting he had to ask someone if the ticket was indeed a winner. "I really have no clue."

Lottery officials said the winning "Cash Craze Crossword" ticket was purchased at No. 1 Liberty Mart on Liberty Road in Randallstown.