Couple's gift honors those in service

Christmas Happiness -

By Shavonne Potts

spotts@salisburypost.com

Bob and Candy Snider have lived all over the world, from Japan to Turkey. Now retired from the U.S. Air Force, Bob served twice in Vietnam.

It is in honor of servicemen and servicewomen everywhere that the couple donated $500 for this year's Christmas Happiness.

They made the donation specifically to "all our military, past and present," Candy said.

For 20 years, Bob served in the military. Candy and their daughter, Robin, lived in Tokyo on the Yokato Air Force Base.

They have also traveled to Jerusalem and Hong Kong.

"It was a wonderful opportunity," Candy said.

Robin, now Robin Powell, lives in Salisbury. She has a son, Robert Samuel Powell, 20. He's in college, Candy said.

Candy and Bob try to give $500 each year, and they donate in honor of someone or something that holds special memories for them.

"We have a special place in our heart for the military," Candy said.

They give to the children, she said of why they contribute.

"Of course the children. That's the main thing. The little ones who might not get anything," she said.

The Sniders haven't always been able to give $500, but they strive to reach that amount each time.

They have been married 52 years and moved back to the Salisbury area in 1980. Bob is a Kannapolis native, while Candy was raised in Salisbury.

Christmas Happiness contributions can be brought to the Salisbury Post, 131 W. Innes St., between 8 a.m.-5 p.m. weekdays or mailed to The Salisbury Post Christmas Happiness Fund, P.O. Box 4639 Salisbury, NC 28145-4639.

Make checks payable to the Christmas Happiness Fund and indicate how you want your donation listed.

Yesterday's total: $8,992

Pat and Gene Bozay.........$100

In memory of Jim, Sue, and Mac Sample and Annette and H.B. Bryan by Sturges and Sue Sample Bryan..................$100

In memory of Andrew Gardner by Mom, Dad, Adam, Lisa and Dewey...............................$25

In memory of Bill Karriker by Andy, Debbie, Adam, Lisa and Dewey...............................$25

In memory of Charles Preston Weant by Willie Weant and Family.........................................$50

Anonymous.......................$50

Jim and Nina...................$200

In memory of Jeffrey Crocker by Myrna Crocker...................$25

Anonymous.....................$100

For my many blessings by V.M. Wagner.............................$25

Peripatetic Reviewers Book Club................................$100

In honor of HoHo and PaPa by Amanda and Pam...............$30

Grace United Methodist Church-United Methodist Women...........................$100

Anonymous.........................$2

In honor of Carl Eagle, Theresa Safrit and Pastor Don Safrit by Messiah Lutheran Church Sunday School.....................$100

Adult Class No. 4, St. Paul's Lutheran Church................$50

In memory of Mr. and Mrs. M.D. McKnight Sr. and Mr. and Mrs. Claude Benson by M.D. and Mary Ann McKnight.................$200

In memory of Ray E. Hollowell by Libby Hollowell...................$50

Nelson Hayden Sunday School Class of Second Presbyterian Church............................$100

In memory of Harold Kenerly, Mozelle and Ed Cline and Don Bowden and in honor of Will, Paige, Hal and Bert Kenerly by Bill and Toni Kenerly.............$100

In memory of deceased members of Keen Age Club, by Keen Age Club of Salem Lutheran Church..............................$50

In memory of Martha Wall Riley, Caroline Wall, C.I. Wall and Robert Wall and in honor of Barbara J. Riley, Gladys Riley, Sue Riley Johnson, Chris Riley Weber and Catherine Riley Hyer by Joseph Riley $45

In honor of my great grandchildren, Tucker and Morgan Tomlinson and Kelsie Williams $30

In memory of Mr. and Mrs. Bruce and Betty Perry by Rhonda Perry...................$100

In honor of the Charles F. Fisher Chapter No. 73, Children of the Confederacy by The Robert F. Hoke Chapter No.78, United Daughters of the Confederacy....................................$20

To the glory of God by the Catawba College Finance Dept. $330

Today's total: $2,607

Total so far: $11,599