FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT THE GOLD RUSH
Background
The Gold Rush for Kids is an exclusive program developed for The United Methodist Home for Children in Mechanicsburg, PA. It was created by Christopher Munn of Munn’s Diamond Gallery, Lemoyne PA, in 2004.
Why?
Because a lot of people have a few unused jewelry pieces stored away without the possibility of any future purpose. They’ve been told to not throw them away, but the prospect of selling them brings very little return for the effort.
It’s called the Gold Rush for Kids, but will you accept other items?
We are looking primarily for 10k, 14k, or 18k gold of any color. If you are in doubt
please donate it anyway. We’ll sort through it. Silver items and platinum jewelry is accepted gladly.
What if I want to donate an item with gemstones or diamonds in it?
Great! We will sell finished jewelry items on a consignment basis and donate all
proceeds. If you feel you have a high value item, please bring it into the store or
call us for mailing instructions. All items, large or small, are greatly appreciated and handled with care and security.
What about coins?
Yes, we’ll accept coins. Just like finished jewelry items, coins are given special consideration and marketed for their highest value rather than being refined.
When can I donate my items?
We are accepting donations year round.
What happens to my donations?
All donated items are inventoried, recorded, and weighed upon receipt. When we collect approximately (100) one hundred pennyweights we have the pieces professionally refined. The refiner buys the pure metals from us and the metals are remanufactured into various finished products, including new jewelry items.
How do I determine the value of my donations for tax purposes?
Your donations are tax-deductible. The value(s) that you declare on your taxes is to be determined by you with the best of your knowledge. You will receive a letter of
acknowledgement from the Children’s Home after your donation receipt is received by them, which can be used to verify your donation. Try to establish the worth of the pieces to you before you turn them in.
Donation Process for Churches and Groups participating
in the 2006 Gold Rush
Many of you may be members of one of the many churches or groups that are conducting Gold Rush for Kids campaigns. Be sure to ask your coordinator for a Gold Rush donation ticket and sleeve. Fill it out in full and make sure the church or group name is included. Ask friends and family members to help you. Multiple items can be grouped into individual tickets. Use one name and address per ticket. Remember, every little bit helps! If you or your group would like to get involved simply contact us and we’ll send you a Gold Rush group kit.
What if I want to make an additional donation on behalf of the
Gold Rush for Kids?
Simply fill out a donation ticket listing the amount of your donation that is enclosed and follow the rest of the instructions on the donation ticket. Your church or group will still receive credit for your donation.
What are my things ultimately worth to the Children’s Home?
When precious metals are refined they are separated into individual pure forms. The residual value upon completion of refinement varies with each metal based on the current market values.
What will the proceeds from my donations be used for?
First and foremost we want you to know the your donations are not used to cover any administrative costs for conducting the Gold Rush for Kids. One hundred percent of your donations are used for services directly involving the care and treatment of the kids.
Have more questions?
We will respond to you directly and we will add them to this FAQ page along with the answers so everyone will benefit.
Thank you for supporting the Gold Rush for Kids!
