The Power of a $5 Bill: How God Uses Every Donation to Change Lives!
No donation is too small, and our generous supporters of Colorado Springs just proved that!
This year, one of our staff helping count the Red Kettle Campaign money for The Salvation Army in Colorado Springs had a striking realization. Counting all those bills every day is a task that might seem routine to some, but for Cheryl, it became a profound lesson in generosity and sacrifice. From the very first day of counting, something stood out to her: the sheer number of $5 bills coming in.
"While $1 bills are still the most common donation, those fives caught my attention," Cheryl said. "I realized that each $5 bill represented more than just money; it represented someone’s choice to give! Think about it: $5 could easily buy you a coffee at Starbucks, a burger at McDonald’s, or a soda at 7-Eleven. Yet, instead of spending that money on themselves, countless people in our community chose to give it to The Salvation Army," added Cheryl.
That may seem small, but it adds up to a significant sacrifice, and it speaks volumes about the heart of Colorado Springs.
Throughout the season, we also received 90 $100 bills, also a testament to the incredible generosity of our donors. But what stood out to Cheryl the most was the consistent generosity of those smaller donations. In fact, in one kettle, we received 45 $5 bills—a total of $225 from individuals who each gave a little but collectively made a big impact!
It’s humbling to realize how much our community believes in The Salvation Army’s mission. Those $5 bills may seem small in isolation, but together, they represent a wave of support that helps us continue serving those in need. This year, more than ever, it feels like the small donors stepped up for our Corps.
As we wrap up this season, we're reminded that generosity isn’t measured by the size of the gift but by the spirit in which it’s given. Every dollar, every $5 bill, and every $100 bill adds up to something truly powerful: hope for those who need it most. To everyone who dropped a bill, a coin, or even just shared a kind word with a bell ringer this season, THANK YOU!. You are making a difference in ways you might not even realize.