By Emily Ford
eford@salisburypost.com
SALISBURY — As a teacher for 33 years in New Jersey, Jodie Marley saw children in need.
So when she retired and moved to Salisbury a year and a half ago and read about Christmas Happiness in the Salisbury Post, Marley made her first donation. She made another contribution this week.
“It’s sad for a child to wake up and not have anything on Christmas morning,” she said. “A lot of people are struggling.”
Christmas Happiness helps Rowan County families in need buy gifts for their children. The program is sponsored by the Salisbury Post, which collects contributions. The Rowan County Department of Social Services distributes the funds.
Like she did last year, Marley donated to the fund this week in memory of her mother, Ellen Strawn, who died eight years ago after suffering from pancreatic cancer. Marley made the contribution in honor of herself and her sisters, who live in Salisbury and Greensboro.
Marley said she’s seen more poverty here than in New Jersey, especially as the recession lingers.
“There seems to be more school districts in need of extra things,” she said.
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 Friday:
Helping Handbag $3450
In memory of my students David Cecil, Robin Shoe, Ray Ritchie, June Carol Rives, Johnny Bame, Carlton Owens, Keith Ashley, Robert Gentry, Janice Lackey, Amanda Allen, Randy Lyerly, Larry Kluttz, Ricky Kluttz, Lisa Williams, Pamela Jackson, Donald Bullins, Douglas Redwine, Parthenia Dumas, Susan Lynne Cauble, Kevin Stokes, Michael McCoslin, Brad Patrick, Travis Martin, Lain Sullivan, Chris Mako, Trey Wood, Michael Eidson, Sybil Shores Joyner, Gabriel Eanes, Tommy Peeples, Mark Miller, Franz Merrell, Nathan Raymer, Michael Kennedy, Kenneth Moore, Kevin Shoe, Jamey Ledbetter, Allen Cross, Christine Thomas Helms, Michael Cook, Gary James Stiller, Mary Anne Trexler Howard, Michael Shelton, Torlyn Brown, Sharon Earnhardt, Doug Garvin, and Mr. and Mrs. James E. Mathis by Elaine Kluttz Honbarrier $100
To honor those who celebrate the true meaning of Christmas by Harold Poole $50
Eagle Heights Meet ‘n Eat Gal Pals $40
In memory of Bob and Doug by Marie and Elle $50
In honor of Carl Stutts Jr. and Tessa Lesley by Blanche Stutts $100
In memory of Carl Stutts Jr. by Blanche Stutts $100
In honor of Pastor C.E. Sifford, Lu Gamewell, Polly Fisher, Barbara Moose, SS Teachers by Dora Earnhardt S.S. Class—Faith Lutheran Church $50
In memory of Mozelle and Ed Cline, Harold Kenerly, Don Bowden, and Eddie Boone and in honor of Will, Paige, Hal, Bert, and Maye by Toni and Bill Kenerly $100
In memory of mother—Ellen B. Strawn by daughters Jodie, Julie, and Gypsie $50
Anonymous $400
Mrs. Lois Simone $ 100
Anonymous $75
In memory of Glenn and Maggie Holshouser and Jack and Willie Alexander by James, Sylvia, and Pam Alexander $20
In honor of Blanche Stutts by Carl and Tessa $200
In memory of Clay Thomas by Georgianna, Vance, and Van $200
In honor of all the children by Ken and Gloria Cartrett $100
Oasis Bookclub $100
Anonymous $25
In memory of Clyde and Helen Campbell and S.J. and Nellie Morgan by anonymous $100
All our wonderful customers who have supported us for 36 years by Stitchin’ Post Gifts $100
Total … $5,510
Grand total $37,852.16