MIAMI » The Salvation Army says someone dropped a diamond ring in one of the group’s kettles outside a South Florida grocery store.

A release from the charitable organization says the ring — valued at $3,500 — was donated anonymously Wednesday outside a Publix in southwest Miami-Dade County. Attached was a handwritten note saying, "Please continue your good work caring for the needy in God’s name."

Linda Payton, captain of The Salvation Army’s Sunset Corps, says this is the fourth year the group has received a similar donation from what appears to be the same person.

The Salvation Army is an international organization that focuses on helping the poor. The group’s bell ringers and red collection kettles are a common sight outside of stores and other locations during the holiday season.