Charity - Incognito
By Marcus Engel

“Well, the first surprise of the season has shown up in a Salvation Army bell ringer’s bucket,” said the local TV anchorwoman’s cheerful voice. “A mystery philanthropist has deposited a gold coin from the 1800s into a donation site outside a local mall. The treasure, a Spanish gold coin worth over $500, showed up the day after Thanksgiving. There is no word on who the anonymous donor is,” she finished, smiling.

Doesn’t this kind of story bring a smile to your face? We’re inundated with bad news, but the idea of making a high dollar donation and seeking no recognition is something that can melt even the coldest heart.

After a little more research, I learned that every year, tens of thousands of dollars worth of non-monetary gifts mysteriously turn up in the bell ringers’ buckets: diamond earrings, rare collectibles and even an occasional Rolex watch.

While collecting financial donations for the less fortunate, unsuspecting volunteers are pleasantly surprised when they discover a priceless item tossed in amongst the spare change.

These sorts of contributions speak to the humanity of donors on several different levels. First, the simple act of charity. Second, giving without expecting or wanting recognition. Third, a departure from materialism. While any type of charity is to be embraced, the second and third ideas are some powerful notions I’d like to explore further.