When Vickie Barnhardt and her sister, Karen Reavis Littleton, were together they would giggle uncontrollably and just be “silly,” in fact the two were best friends.
In September, Karen died unexpectedly and the loss is still raw for Barnhardt, who is the oldest by five years.
Barnhardt gave to the Christmas Happiness Fund on Wednesday in memory of her sister and in honor of her mother, Evelyn Reavis, 83.
The Christmas Happiness contributions are collected at the Salisbury Post and listed in the paper each day. The Salvation Army of Rowan County distributes those funds. Families receive a $30 voucher to buy Christmas gifts for each child who qualifies.
Littleton was co-owner of Nashville Nights in downtown Salisbury. She would’ve celebrated her 60th birthday Dec. 24.
“There have been some times in the past that we’ve donated, but I just felt that it was something I wanted to do,” Barnhardt said through tears.
She also counts her mother as her best friend. The three would travel, “be silly and giggle at times,” she said.
Evelyn was able to travel for work and the sisters would accompany her. While Evelyn attended meetings Vickie and Karen would sightsee.
Evelyn is an inspiration and a strong woman, Barnhardt said. She worked until she was 80 years old at Rowan Business Forms, where she worked since high school.
Barnhardt said her parents had children young and they always joked that they all grew up together.
“I’m very blessed to have had the upbringing I had, loving parents, and blessed to have Karen as a sister and friend,” she said.
Barnhardt said she feels as though not everyone has been as fortunate as she has and although her family has suffered a great loss, she is still blessed.
Bring Christmas Happiness 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, NC 28145-4639.
Make checks payable to the Christmas Happiness Fund and indicate how you wish your donations to be listed. Please write legibly to ensure that donations can be listed accurately.
Wednesday’s donations are:
In honor of Rowan County DSS foster families by Carla and Jim Mallinson $50
Molly Lyerly/Daisy Poplin Women’s Group of Union Lutheran Church $25
Anonymous $1
In memory of Ralph Haire, Hugh Teague, Bobby Lee Morris, Jim Edmiston, Beverly Earnhardt, Bob Boone, Sr., Eula (Cookie) Cook, David Canup and Bill Thompson by Betty and David $100
In memory of Jim and in honor of Gerry by David and Betty $50
In memory of Mary-Lynne, Cody and Savannah $50
In memory of Brenda Challis Smith, Roger Challis, John R. “Dick” Challis $300
In memory of Papa and Grandma Helms, Papa Sedberry and Mimi by Vicki and Charles Butler $50
In honor of J.P. and Sally Helms by Vicki and Charles Butler..$50
In honor of Jimmy and Anne Wilson by Vicki and Charles Butler $25
In honor of Edith and Don Julian by Vicki and Charles Butler $25
In honor of Bob and Fran Tannehill by Vicki and Charles Butler $25
In honor of Gordon Hurley by Vicki and Charles Butler $25
In loving honor of my precious mother, Evelyn Reavis by Vickie R. Barnhardt $25
In loving memory of my dear sister, Karen Reavis Littleton by Vickie R. Barnhardt $25

Total $826
Running total $13,293