Volunteers were stunned to discover the valuable band placed inside one of its red kettles outside Boston's North Station on Wednesday, reports the Boston Globe.
Alongside it was a note, and an appraisal form, that said the gift was in honor of her late husband.
It stated that the jewelry should be sold — with the cash used to buy presents for underprivileged kids, reports The Associated Press.
"To honor his memory, I donate this ring. I'm hoping there's someone out there who made lots of money this year and will buy the ring for 10 times its worth," she wrote.After all, there's no price on love or the sentimental value of this ring. But money will help the kids," she added.
"May everyone have a Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays and Happy New Year!" the note ended.
Salvation Army Major David Davis dubbed the donation as "incredible" and said it had "warmed the hearts of bell-ringers and other volunteers."
"We're so moved and incredibly grateful to the generous individual who made such a loving and kind donation," Davis told the Boston Globe.
Lt. Michael Harper, commander of the Cambridge Salvation Army, added, "We were stunned."
"We were really taken aback. One, by such generosity of something that was a deeply sacrificial gift, and something that was probably priceless to her. ... But then we didn't know if she was giving out of sadness for her husband, or if it gave her great joy," he added.
Salvation Army chiefs are now deciding how best to sell on the band.
