BOSTON — Add a diamond-encrusted cross to the spontaneous acts of jewelry generosity sweeping Boston this holiday season.
The Salvation Army says the latest person to drop an expensive piece of jewelry in one of its red donation kettles was an Australian who wanted to show gratitude to the city.
The anonymous donor said she was inspired by a widow who gave her wedding and diamond engagement rings to the charity to buy toys for poor children. That was followed by another widow who donated $21,000 — 10 times what the rings were worth — so she could return them to the original donor.
The Salvation Army says the Australian gave the pendant, valued at $1,500, to thank Bostonians for their warm welcome when she and her son relocated to the city.
