A red Salvation Army donations kettle outside the Food City at 6951 Lee Highway was stolen Tuesday afternoon by a man who appeared to be donating, a news release from the agency states.
The red kettle was taken at about 2 p.m. by a man who took out his wallet, quickly grabbed the kettle, jumped into the passenger side of a vehicle and took off, according to the bell ringer.
Capt. Nathan Jones of the Salvation Army said the kettle probably had close to $200 in it.
"It hurts my heart that someone would steal from The Salvation Army when we so willingly give assistance for free," he said.
The organization's red kettles will be visible now through Dec. 23. This year some red kettle locations will have credit card options, as well.