The first Salvation Army kettle fundraiser was conducted way back in 1891, providing Christmas meals to thousands who otherwise would have had little to enjoy. Today, the bell-ringers are visible on street corners from New York City to Hawaii.

Many of us throw in loose change, a dollar bill or two, on our way into the grocery or department store. But one person made a surprising anonymous donation that has captured national media attention … and helped proved to millions that the Christmas spirit is, indeed, alive and well. CNN covered the story in the video clip above.

Like many others, one holiday shopper dropped a single dollar bill into one of those famous red kettles during the frenetic shopping day nicknamed Black Friday (the day after Thanksgiving). But unlike other dollar bills thrown into the kettle, this one had a surprise inside. Wrapped up in the dollar bill was a wedding and engagement ring, valued at more than $600.

Larry Roberts, the volunteer who found the offering in his bucket, said “it’s going to help a lot people.” And, perhaps, inspire countless more.