An anonymous donor has again favored Kauai for the holiday season, dropping a gold Krugerrand worth $1,200 into a Salvation Army kettle in Lihue.

But the nonprofit charitable group is still facing a 14 percent decrease in contributions during its kettle campaign—and perhaps the prospect of program reductions.

Salvation Army spokesman Daniel de Castro said the donor left a 1979 Krugerrand in its kettle. A similar donation was made to a Salvation Army kettle in Koloa last year.

"We don’t know if it’s the same donor," de Castro said. "We’re very grateful for that very generous donation."

De Castro said the donation comes at a time when kettle contributions are down by about 14 percent. Donations totaled $696,739 in 2009, compared with $597,953 for the same period.

"We’re guessing the tough economy is affecting people’s contributions in Hawaii," he said.

De Castro said people still had several days to make a contribution and several ways to make a donation.

"We’re remaining optimistic," he said.

Donations help to fund a number of Salvation Army programs, including emergency rental and food assistance to families, help for at-risk youths and homeless people and those undergoing rehabilitation for addictions.

De Castro said if donations decrease by too much, the group might have to cut programs.

People wishing to make tax-deductible donations before the end of the year can put a check in one of about 100 kettles statewide or mail a check to Salvation Army, 2950 Manoa Road, Honolulu 96822.

People can also make a credit card donation at the SalvationArmyHawaii.org website or a quick $10 contribution by mobile telephone by calling 85944 and texting "GIVE."

Telephone utilities will add the $10 donation to the bill.