By Shavonne Potts
spotts@salisburypost.com
SALISBURY — A community of purse-shopping women walked away with scores of handbags and raised $3,450 in the process for this year’s Christmas Happiness.
Women weren’t the only ones shopping at the mega-three day Helping Handbags sale; a few men also bought bags for the women in their lives.
It was the first such fundraising event held at the Salisbury Post.
Sharon Jackson, classified and creative services manager for the Post, said she never thought the fundraiser would raise that much.
“I had hoped to make a couple thousand, but $3,450 just blew my mind,” Jackson said.
Throughout the sale, organizers had an idea along the way how much they were collecting.
“I was ecstatic when it got to $3,000,” she said.
Jackson said she believes they could’ve held the sale one more day, but the selection was dwindling. Sales went on Monday-Wednesday.
The last day of the sale was supposed to be a $2 sale, but organizers decided to sweeten the deal and offer shoppers the opportunity to fill a Belk shopping bag with as many purses as they could fit for $5.
Belk donated the bags as well as the Fossil tote that was raffled.
Many people bought the bags, some new and others gently used, for Christmas presents.
Some Post employees volunteered to help out at the sale.
Jackson said she was appreciative of those who helped and gave of their time.
Jackson said there were lots of requests to have the sale next year.
“We probably will,” she said.
Those who didn’t get to donate this year will be able to participate next November.
Jackson said anyone who wishes to volunteer with the sale next year also can help.
The winner of the Helping Handbags raffle is Judy Gould, who received a Fossil tote and a Key-Per Triple Pouch, valued at $173.
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.
Contributions so far (not including the $3,450 from the handbag sale):
In honor of Dr. Rick Bartlett, Dr. Robert Grigsby, Dr. Joe Sie and Dr. Jill Scullion by Staff of The Eye Care Center $100
For: Kim and Mike From: Deacon $50
In memory of Polly G. Holshouser, Founder by Circle #7, First UCC $50
In memory of Melene H. Safrit by Glenn, Glenda and Tim Sr. $50
In memory of Katie Shoaf, France Cauble and Florence Goodnight by Aura Lee Moose Sunday School Class of Salem Lutheran Church $50
In honor of Sandy Reitz, Jon Hunter, Peggy Thornburg from Rowan DSS by Kenneth Hollar $30
Audrey Straughn $150
The Molly Lyerly/Daisy Poplin Women of Union Lutheran Church $25
In honor of Gene and Christie Thompson, Great Grand-parents by Patrick Waller, Great-grandson $100
In honor of all Rowan County DSS licensed foster parents by Carla and Jim Mallinson $50
In honor of Grandchildren: Jennifer, Christopher and Jesse by Joseph and Margaret Mowery $25
In memory of Eva Sloop by Crawford Sloop $100
Anonymous $100
In honor of Harriet Fisher and Jim Earnhardt Sunday School teachers for the Brownie Fisher Class at St. Luke’s Reformed Church $25
In memory of Charles Preston Weant by Mrs. Willie Mae Weant and Family $50
In memory of “Ran” Turner and in honor of Mrs. Turner by Andy K $50
In memory of “Buck” Hurley and in honor of Mr. and Mrs. Gordon and Carolyn Hurley and Jeff by Andy K $50
In memory of Todd Kimball and John Kimball by Libby and Lee Holman $40
In honor of our sister-in-law, Addie G. Ketner, on her 101st birthday, With Love Ralph, Virginia and Dot $101
Total $1,196
Grand Total $32,342.16
Elizabeth Parker’s husband’s name is Willie. It was incorrect in Wednesday’s Post story on Christmas Happiness.
Contact reporter Shavonne Potts at 704-797-4253.