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MIDDLETOWN, Pa. — An anonymous Pennsylvania Lottery player recently deposited a winning instant ticket worth $1,000 into a Salvation Army red kettle.

“The Christmas season often brings out the best in people,” said Lottery Executive Director Drew Svitko. “It’s heartwarming to hear stories such as this one, and I applaud this anonymous winner for turning their good fortune into an act of charity that will benefit the community.”

The prize-winning ticket for the Fantastic 10s instant game was dropped into a Salvation Army red kettle at a Walmart in Erie on December 6, 2016.

“We’ve received donations of winning instant tickets in the past, but they’re usually in an amount of $10 or $20 – never something of this size,” said Major Leslie Walter, officer of the Salvation Army in Erie. “We are very grateful for this generous donation, which will help us to serve people and families in need.”

The 28-county Western Pennsylvania Division of the Salvation Army serves thousands of needy families through a variety of support services. Visit them online here.