Goodwill Returns 10K in Silver Coins to Customer

Customer didn’t know what had happened to them

A keen eyed donation attendant at the Goodwill Northern Illinois Machesney Park location spotted something unusual this past fall and turned it in to his supervisor. That something turned out to be $10,000 worth of uncirculated silver coins hidden in a hollow book that were donated along with other items from an estate –unbeknownst to the family.

Since no one reported the coins missing, Goodwill’s Finance Director Naomi Miller went on a super sleuth mission. Miller had only a receipt in the book to work with and couldn’t find the individual’s family through online obituaries. Miller then enlisted outside help.

Enter Brent Ward, an employee at Chase Bank who helped track down the trust account for the individual which led to the deserving family member. “If there is a chance to help out one of our customers, we will do whatever we can,” stated Ward. Ward’s efforts paid off when the family member, who wishes to remain anonymous, was located.

As it turns out, the local customer didn’t realize what had happened –only that he was missing the silver coins. “Due to initiative way ‘above and beyond’ by Goodwill employees, my Father’s precious coins have been returned to me. I am able to finally put this to rest after 2 years of worry,” the customer stated.

The coins were picked up at the Goodwill office and are now safely back with the family member – where they belong. “This story ended on high note for the whole Goodwill organization,” stated Miller “and we couldn’t be happier.”

Article by Shannon Halverson at Goodwill NI