The red kettles we see dotted in front of stores and malls this time of year are symbolic of giving.

But someone in Brevard County has taken it to a whole new level.

An anonymous donor dropped a whole lot of cash in red kettles all across Central Brevard County.

"Normally when we open the buckets we get 1s, 5s, some 10s or 20s, and some change," said Kathy Mardirosian, kettle coordinator.

Which workers at The Salvation Army North Central Brevard admit is absolutely fine. People generously giving during this season of giving, so they can help others.

What they didn't expect was the most generous, and creative, donation they've ever seen as they tallied up their kettles Wednesday.

"We pulled out a $1 bill, but it was wrapped around other bills. You know, people will put it together like that," Maridosian said. "But it was wrapped around five, crisp $100 bills!"

Quite a donation by itself. But wait -- there's MORE!

"We opened another bucket -- same thing! We opened a third -- $1,000!"

By the time they tallied it all up, someone had given $10,000.

They were spread out by the hundreds in red kettles from Viera, Rockledge, to Merritt Island to Cocoa Beach.

"It's so wonderful something would be so kind," said volunteer John Pergola, who was there as the windfall was being counted.

One of the kettles is at the Publix off Murrell Road in Rockledge.

Word quickly spread of the anonymous donors' generosity. Joe and Karen Schiaffino just wrapped up their shopping trip.

"We're fortunate to the see the example," said John.

"It's the true meaning of Christmas," said Karen.

True indeed.

There's plenty of time to donate to the Salvation Army -- these kettles and those volunteers who ring bells will be out here until December 24.

Most average about $30 an hour in donations. That's enough to provide a family with two bags of groceries or shelter someone for a night.