An anonymous woman celebrated her late husband's memory by dropping her diamond engagement ring and wedding band into a Red Kettle outside Boston's North Station.

The donation, made on Dec. 3, was accompanied by a note saying the woman wanted to commemorate her husband's "joy in giving at Christmastime, especially to those in need" by donating the ring to help fund toys for needy children.

"In all seasons, my husband was a giver. I especially remember his joy in giving at Christmastime, especially to those in need. To honor his memory, I donate this ring," the note read. "I'm hoping there's someone out there who made lots of money this year and will buy the ring for ten times its worth. After all, there's no price on love or the sentimental value of this ring."

An appraisal, included with the donation, values the diamond ring at $1,850.

"We're so moved and incredibly grateful to the generous individual who made such a loving and kind donation," says Major David B. Davis, divisional commander of the Massachusetts Salvation Army. "This heartwarming gift boosts all of our staff, bell-ringers, and volunteers who are working tirelessly during the Red Kettle Campaign to encourage donations that help those in need."

Salvation Army's Drew Forster says he hasn't seen anything such as this before.

"Jewelry comes into our kettles from time to time, but it's generally by accident," he said. "Someone will drop a ring or an earring that they might happen to have in their purse."

Bell ringer Robert Barr, who is working with the Salvation Army as part of his court-ordered community service, said the donor was a small woman, probably in her 50s, who stopped for just a moment to talk.

"I remember the lady because she said she has two checks available and they were in envelopes and she put them in the kettle," he said.

Those giving what they could on Monday were amazed by one woman's charitable sense of purpose.

"What a nice thing to do to honor his memory. The goal of giving and sacrificing her jewelry to his memory," donor Patty Cyr said.

For more information on the Salvation Army or to donate online, please visit: www.salvationarmyma.org.