Rowan couple ‘pays it forward’ to give to Christmas Happiness
Published 12:00 am Thursday, December 18, 2014
- Illustration by Mark Brincefield, for the Salisbury Post.
Three years ago, Dana Samuelson began delivering meals to the homebound after a neighbor told him about it. He immediately signed on with Meals on Wheels of Rowan County and found the location of the greatest need — Enochville.
Dana and his wife, Jan, gave to the Christmas Happiness Fund this year in honor of the staff at Meals on Wheels of Rowan.
The couple have been giving to the fund since 1997, which was not long after they moved to Rowan County.
“It’s just to make sure the children have a nice Christmas,” Dana said of their regular contribution.
“We feel blessed that we have had things and are able to share with someone else,” he added.
Samuelson said it’s not about him or his wife, but about “helping someone else have a little happiness.”
He knows it’s tough for parents who may feel as though they can’t provide enough for their children, but “God has been good to us,” he said.
He said this is he and his wife’s way of “paying it forward.”
Samuelson said last year he and his wife gave in honor of the Locke Fire Department.
He knows the staff at Meals on Wheel and said they are “such hardworking people and it’s such a worthwhile cause.”
He volunteered with Meals on Wheels as a way to get out into the community and get to know people and he said he’s met some wonderful people on his route.
“It’s been very fulfilling and rewarding,” he said.
Donations to the Christmas Happiness Fund come from people in the community who earmark their gift in memory or honor of someone. Donations are brought to the Salisbury Post during business hours. The money is then given to the Salvation Army of Rowan County to distribute to eligible families.
Today’s contributions are:
The Congregation of Rock Grove United Methodist Church $550
In honor of The Staff of Meals on Wheels-Rowan-Rita, Sandy and Carol by Jan and Dana Samuelson $100
In honor of all the little children by Brenda Cauble $100
In memory of my Dad, Mr. Carl Cauble and in honor of Capstone Recovery Center by Linda Cauble $100
In honor of our daughters, Laura and Kate Ritchie by Jane and Mark Ritchie $100
In honor of all our wonderful friends in lieu of Christmas Cards by Ann and Clancy Bostian $100
In loving memory of our parents: Lillian Shoaf and Mary and George Blankenship by Bill and Becky Shives $50
In honor of my grandchildren: Ryan, MacKenzie, Abraham, Camryn, Samuel, and Jaxon by “Gammie” Betty Roof $50
In memory of our friend, Bettie Fesperman, We miss you every day, kisses in heaven to you by “Girls Nite Out” group $100
In honor of Dr. Gregory Mitro and Staff by Dr. Erma T. Scarlette $50
In loving memory of Jack Hodges by Bill and Belinda Reid $25
In memory of my husband, Sidney Blume, and my son, Scotty Blume by Betty Blume $50
In memory of Dr. Martin L. Sholtzberger by Cathy Goodnight $40
In memory of Maw Maw Smith and in honor of grandchildren: Marty, Kathie, Andy, Luke, Nick, Sally, Jerry, Bryan, Cody, Carson, Jessica, Jason and Lindsay by Robert C. Smith $50
In memory of our mothers, Helen Little and Blanche Hefner by Phyllis and Charlie $100
In memory of Wesley, Gizmo, Squirt and Lucy and in honor of Tricia on her Birthday by Benny, Harry and John $30
In memory of Everette Wilhelm, Mary Frances Wilhelm Ritchie, Edd Beaver, Mary Beaver and Roy Ritchie by Marsha and Dale Beaver $100
In memory of my husband, John and daughter, Patsy Chaffin and in honor of my children, Tim and Susie and others by Patsy Young $25
In memory of Jimmie, Jim and Elsie and Donnie Peeler by Sylvia Peeler $100
Paul and Beth Woodson $100
In memory of my wife, Jane Monroe by Thomas Monroe $100
Pat and Gene Bozay $100
In memory of my husband, Carl Cauble and in honor of my children, Brenda, Linda and Steve Cauble by Evelyn Cauble $100
In honor of my children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren by George M. Simmons $150
In memory of Maw Maw and Paw Paw Brown and in honor of grandchildren: Marty, Katie, Andy, Luke, Nick, Sally, Tanner, Dakota, David and Kelly by Katie Smith $50
In memory of Paw Paw Lee Ingram by Lakelyn Lee Ingram $50
In memory of our son, Randall Gore by Steve and Malynda Peeler $20
In memory of Joe Rufty by Jane Rowland $50
Total $2,540
Running Total $43,089.06
Contributions to Christmas Happiness may be delivered to the Salisbury Post, 131 W. Innes St., between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. weekdays or mailed to Salisbury Post Christmas Happiness Fund, P.O. Box 4639, Salisbury, N.C. 28145-4639.
Please make checks payable to Christmas Happiness Fund and indicate how you want your donation listed.
Contact reporter Shavonne Walker at 704-797-4253.
