The thermometer readings over the past couple of nights have been the coldest so far this season. But the chill didn’t shorten the line at the Department of Social Services office Friday.

They came to sign up for help in providing gifts for their children this Christmas.

Last year, contributions to the Christmas Happiness fund had to be stretched to reach all those eligible. It’s the same again this year. Yet donations are seriously lagging and have fallen more than $4,600 behind those collected by this date in 2005.

Your generosity can keep the cold outside and surround those less fortunate with the warmth of caring.

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 $19,213.55

In honor of the readers of the Salisbury Post, from E.D. and Elizabeth Cook $200.00

In loving memory of my husband Jim, from Ruby Goodman

$50.00

In honor of my wonderful neighbors and friends for their love and support, from Ruby Goodman $25.00

In Christian love for the Rev. David Hackett and the Milford Hills United Methodist Church Choir, from Ruby Goodman $25.00

In honor my grandchildren, Don Clement IV, Kate Tierney and Anna-Kerr Clement, from Ruby Goodman $25.00

In honor of my precious great-granddaughters, Kellie and Bella-Grace, from Ruby Goodman $25.00

In loving memory of our dad, Jim Goodman. We miss you so much. From Kim Goodman and Deborah Stroud $25.00

In loving memory of my father, John C. Lyerly, from Katherine Lyerly $25.00

In loving memory of my mother, Mrs. John C. Lyerly, from Katherine Lyerly $25.00

In loving memory of my sister, Sister Lucille Lyerly, from Katherine Lyerly $25.00

In loving memory of my brother, the Rev. Dr. J. Wilford Lyerly, from Katherine Lyerly $25.00

In loving memory of my brother, James “Jim” Lyerly, from Katherine Lyerly $25.00

In honor of Ronnie and Susan Loflin, from Haley, Jordan, Bryson, Avery and Addison $30.00

In honor of Naomi Brown, from Haley, Jordan, Bryson, Avery, Addison and Madison $30.00

In honor of Tracy and Jimmie Webb, Ruth and Kate at Salon 125, from Pennie and Dick Martin $100.00

From the “Friday Breakfast Intellects”: Ted Larrabee, Ernest Curtis, Loyd Hill, Wilbur Boltz, Ray Paradowski and a Special Guest $200.00

In honor of Harley, Siera, Ethen and David, from MawMaw and PawPaw $100.00

In memory of Gary Coble, from David and Jackye $20.00

In loving memory of my husband, Harvey Conner, from Ruth B. Conner $50.00

In memory of Joe Ashley and in honor of Shaw Ashley, Tanner Hood and Kathryn Hood, from Brenda Ashley $100.00

Castinettes Canasta Club $90.00

From Lois Simone $50.00

In honor of Amanda, from HoHo and PaPa $50.00

Eagle Heights Meet ‘n Eat Group $35.00

In memory of our fathers, Edward Newberry and Ernest Kobiska, from Wayne and Onalee Kobiska $50.00

In honor of the clergy and staff of St. Luke’s Episcopal Church $25.00

In honor of all good and loving pets, from “Boomer” Ludwig $50.00

W.G. “Bill” Allen and Joy P. Allen $100.00

In loving memory of Carolyn Hunter, from Kristine H. Buford $100.00

Anonymous $20.00

In honor of our friends in the Yada Yada Bible Study Group, from Rick and Lisa Painter $25.00

In memory of Robert Bayer and Nevin Brown, from Niven and Carolyn Bayer $100.00

Today’s total $21,038.55