As the world enters another thousand years, the Salisbury Post’s Christmas Happiness fund is gearing up to raise its second million for the children.
The newspaper’s empty stocking fund raised $62,508 in the five weeks of the 1999 drive. This pushed all-time giving over the million-dollar mark — $1,001,936 to be exact.
So, now we’re getting started on that second million.
The fund got its start in 1952 when the late Spencer Murphy, then editor of the Post, urged good folks in Rowan County to reach into their pockets so every child might have a new toy for Christmas.
In 1999, the fund provided gifts for 1,722 children and 135 adults. Elderly and disabled residents of nursing and group homes received gifts and refreshments for a holiday party at the Rufty-Holmes Center.
Beginning today, the fund will collect and publish donations each day through Christmas eve. However, there will be no lists in the Sunday papers since the Post is no longer open on Saturdays to receive mailed and hand-delivered contributions.
Donations come from everywhere — from individuals and families, companies and corporations, churches and, of course, lots of school groups. All can rest assured that each and every penny collected helps to fill an otherwise empty stocking somewhere in the county.
Post employees collect, count and list the donations, which are then turned over to Rowan Department of Social Services employees for deposit and distribution through vouchers to parents or guardians. These vouchers can be redeemed at participating area stores only for items for children.
Volunteers with the Rowan Christmas Bureau have already interviewed and certified potential recipients.
The local layoffs and closings this year probably mean more families will need help. We have high hopes, though, that the fund will meet the challenge through the continued generosity our readers have shown in the past 48 years.
As always, the Post kicks off the fund drive with $1,000. Other first-day contributions are also listed below.
Bring contributions to the Salisbury Post, 131 W. Innes St., between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. weekdays or mail them to The Salisbury Post Christmas Happiness Fund, P.O. Box 4639, Salisbury, N.C. 28145-4639. Make checks payable to the Christmas Happiness Fund.
Today’s donors:
The Salisbury Post $1,000.00
Spencer Woman’s Club $75.00
Primetimers of First United Church of Christ in honor of our outgoing president, Mary Dearborn $50.00
Rowan County Fair sponsored by Faith and Spencer Jaycees $500.00
Corbin Hills Golf Club, Corbin Hills Men’s Golf Association, McCanless Golf Club and McCanless Men’s Golf Association $500.00
Oasis Book Club $100.00
Rowan Crafts Inc. $250.00
Salisbury Post Newsroom Freebie Auction $151.55
Today’s total $2,626.55
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