Are you making progress on your Christmas list?

We hope so. We also hope a donation to the Christmas Happiness fund is among your “things to do.”

For several years now since the area was bombarded with plant and industry closings, the fund has struggled to meet local needs. You continue to give generously, but the number of children needing help keeps rising.

With Christmas less than two weeks away, donations are not keeping up. Today’s total of $24,853.55 is just over a third of the almost $70,000 raised in 2005. You and Christmas Happiness haven’t let the children down for 54 years.

Please move Christmas Happiness to the top of your list so we can make it 55 years.

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, NC 28145-4639. Make checks payable to the Christmas Happiness Fund and indicate how you wish your donation listed.

Yesterday’s total $21,038.55

Wednesday Afternoon Bridge Club $90.00

In honor of the Rev. Don and Theresa Safrit, from Women of the ELCA, Messiah Lutheran Church $100.00

In honor of Robert “Bob” Poole, from Women of the ELCA, Messiah Lutheran Church $100.00

In honor of our beach friends, from Jayne and Joel $50.00

Concordia Fellowship $25.00

In honor of all ladies who serve Salisbury Rotary Club each week, from Charity League of Salisbury $500.00

Fred and Alice Stanback Jr. $1,000.00

In honor of County Commissioners Jon Barber, Arnold Chamberlain, Chad Mitchell and Jim Sides. Merry Christmas Guys! From Tina Hall $200.00

In honor of residents at Mooseheart and Moosehaven, from Spencer Women of the Moose Chapter 1197 $50.00

In loving memory of our parents, Eloise and Harry Miller, and brother, Jim Miller, from Jane, Peggy and Annette $75.00

In honor of Mr. Henley, Mrs. Reece, Mr. Johnson and Ms. Novick, from Megan Walton $25.00

In honor of Connie Hoffner, from Jane $100.00

In memory of Ken Dick Jr. We love and miss you! Sandy and Ashleigh $50.00

Sarah B. and Roy H. Snider Jr. $200.00

Anonymous $50.00

In lieu of Christmas cards to my family, friends, neighbors and co-workers, from Doris Lee $25.00

In memory of Daddy and Big Brother $100.00

Richard R. Kluttz Insurance Agency $300.00

Anonymous $20.00

Adult III Sunday School Class, Organ Lutheran Church $25.00

Andrew Jackson Lodge 576 $100.00

In memory of Bob Henderson, John and Ann Pendleton $50.00

In loving memory of my husband Charlie. I miss you, Hazel $25.00

In memory of William L. and Anna Huffman and Susan H. Morgan, from David and Peggy Huffman $100.00

In loving memory of Geraldine Miller and Richard Miller and in honor of Lana Miller on her birthday $150.00

In memory of Ken Smoot, from Betty Smoot $25.00

In memory of Kevin Efird, from Jerry A. Swink $30.00

In honor of Mary C. Brewer, from Bennie and Wanpen Brewer $100.00

In memory of the love of my life, Donald B. Wilson, from Janet L. Wilson $100.00

In memory of J.W. “Catfish” Veach, from Amvets Post 460. We miss you $50.00

Today’s total $24,853.55