Christmas Comforts & Joys

Big Surprise Lands In Salvation Army Kettle

An anonymous donor left a holiday surprise in the Salvation Army kettles in Prescott, Ariz., a representative of the organization said.

The organization was counting the kettle collections Friday when members noticed 12 small bags with accompanying notes that read, "A little gold can go a long way. Merry Christmas."

Inside each bag was a piece of gold jewelry ranging in value from $40 to $275 - more than $1,000 total, KPHO-TV in Phoenix reported.

"It is nice to live in a community where our neighbors care so much about the needs of others," said Major Kyle Trimmer, a corps officer of the Salvation Army in Prescott. The organization plans to sell the jewelry by the piece at minimum retail value.

According to its Web site, the Salvation Army is "an international movement, is an evangelical part of the universal Christian Church. Its message is based on the Bible. Its ministry is motivated by the love of God. Its mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination."

Santa Attacked By Large Cat At Pet Store

Santa Claus won't need rabies shots after all.

It turns out that a large kitty that drew blood after biting a volunteer Santa Claus at a charity event in New Jersey had been properly vaccinated.

The cat's owner, Christine Haughey, came forward and produced vaccination records after learning that 47-year-old Jonathan Bebbington, the Santa, might have to receive the shots.

Bebbington said the cat bit his wrist and hand Sunday after becoming terrified because dogs were nearby at the Santa Paws photo event for an animal-rescue group. The 25-year-old Haughey left after the attack. Haughey told WMGM-TV that her cat, Benny, is a mix between a house cat and a bobcat.

MICHELLE

KPHO-TV, WMGM-TV