By Shavonne Potts
spotts@salisburypost.com
Pat Watson has been a Sunday school teacher at St. Matthewís Lutheran Church for more than 30 years and, in that time, sheís come across some remarkable people.
Watson, who donated $100 to this yearís Christmas Happiness Fund, wanted to recognize members of the Believers Class and give to children in the Rowan community at the same time.
The church and the class recently donated clothing and toys to a group of children in West Virginia for the holidays.
St. Matthewís Lutheran joined this project more than five years ago in collaboration with Salem Lutheran Churchís Sharing Shepherds group, who had been collecting items for years.
ěI wanted to recognize them. There are a lot of good folks. I have been knowing them for 30-plus years. Iím pleased and proud for the things we got together for the children,î Watson said.
She also has been giving to Christmas Happiness for many years and, at one time, worked for Rowan Social Services.
ěI know it goes to children in need. We recognize in hard times, we are blessed than most and want to help,î Watson said.
The St. Matthewís Lutheran Church also gives to other organizations throughout the year including Samaritanís Purse, Rowan Helping Ministries and the Battered Womenís Shelter.
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.
The contributions so far:
Friendship Sunday School Class of Maupin Avenue Presbyterian Church $100
In honor of our teachers: Carl Eagle, Theresa Safrit and Don Safrit by Messiah Lutheran Sunday School $150
Steppin Out Social Club.$50
In loving memory of my husband Bill and my son Billy by Ruby $200
Peripatetic Reviewers Book Club $100
In memory of Rose Post by Deal and Sheila $25
In memory of Dewey and Julia Miller by Judy Miller $20
Mr. Charles Buckley $100
K. Peter and Lynn S. Grogan $100
Anonymous $500
In loving memory of Jane Benton Kale, Donald and Evelyn Benton by Keith and Darlene Kale $50
In loving memory of Lloyd and Ruby Gaskey, Fred and Flossie Foster, Ada Gaskey Leazer and John J. Gaskey by Keith and Darlene Kale and Vickie Bean.$50
In honor of teachers: Edith Alcorn, Rodney Callaway, Virginia Greenland and Stella Isenberg by Dearborn-Isenberg SS Class $50
In memory of Bob Harrison and Rebecca McCormick by Catherine Harrison $100
In memory of Bob and Mildred Campbell by Kitty $30
In honor of Jim and Lee Ann Christy by John Allison $100
In memory of Mama Dot and Mimi and in honor of Haileigh, Carolina, Victoria and Natalie $50
In honor of HoHo and PaPa from Amanda $25
In honor of Believers Class, St. Matthews Lutheran by Pat Watson $100
In honor of Allison and Madison File by Larry and Betty Fesperman $25
In honor of Overton Family and Staff by Overton Student Council $50
In memory of Dan Herlocker by Louise Herlocker $100
In honor of Will and Evan by Edwin and Melvene Koontz $100
In honor of our friendship by Lonzo, Martha, Ted, Phyllis, Gary, Sylvia, Terry and Beth $100
In honor of Greta and Charles Connor $50
Birthday Beach Gang $25
In memory of Carl M. Benfield, Glenn R. Hartzoge and Mary B. Snowberger by Tim and Marsha $50
In memory of Donald E. and Timothy J. Sunding by Betty Sunding $200
Ralph Ketner $500
Total $1,375
Running Total $7,925
Contact reporter Shavonne Potts at 704-797-4253.