By Shavonne Potts
spotts@salisburypost.com
SALISBURY — What began as two women walking has grown to nine meeting on most days and have become known as the YMCA Walk and Talk Ladies.
Each of the nine women contributed money to this year’s Christmas Happiness Fund.
Not all of the women meet each day, but most days, and just simply walk and talk.
“We meet and walk and we all came from different walks of life,” said Kay McCartney.
McCartney began walking with a church member and slowly the twosome, became three and soon it grew to nine.
“As we were there, we noticed these other ladies were there,” she said.
The women enjoy visiting and catching up in each other’s lives.
McCartney said some of the women are retirees, like herself, while others are stay-at-home mothers.
The women have get-togethers. They used to exchange Christmas gifts, but decided last year they’d donate that money to Christmas Happiness.
This is the second year they’ve donated to the Fund.
“Before that, a couple of us just gave individually,” McCartney said.
“We said ‘why don’t we just give to the children,’ ” 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 so far:
In memory of deceased members of Carolyn and Reggie by Piedmont Singles $100
In memory of our deceased members by The Good Times Club Union Lutheran $25
In memory of Frances Lynne Tatum, Banks and Dick in honor of Walter Tatum and our winged footer friends by Charles and Norma Goldman $25
In honor of four great and great-great grandbabies born this year: Madelynn Grace Bullock, Chandler and Carsyn Wilhelm and Samantha Thompson by John and Selma Wilhelm $400
In lieu of Christmas Cards by Perry and Ruth Julian $100
YMCA “Walk and Talk” Ladies: Betsy, Gail, Ginny, Jan, Kay, Linda, Mary, Nita and Pat $160
In memory of our daughters Luanne and Amy by Larry and Brenda Gilbert $50
In honor of Birthday Group of Hidden Creek by Larry and Brenda Gilbert .$25
In honor of all Keenagers of Salem by Keenage Club of Salem Lutheran Church $50
In honor of Kathy Anthony, Merry Christmas by Rose Lee and Jean.$25
In honor of Jesus on his Birthday and in memory of my parents, Marion and Aubrey Linton by Marsha $49
Happy Birthday Mona by M.L. $7
In memory of Ross Bernard Penley-Dick Penley by Mary Penley and Family $25
Mr. and Mrs. William C. Stanback $250
In memory of Hank Hubbard by Polly $100
In memory of Mr. Wilson Smith, Bill and Lucille Marsh, Walter and Sarah Graham and in honor of our beautiful grandchildren: Peyton, Parker, Pressley, Paxton Greene and Levi Marsh by Donald Marsh and Dr. Lynn Marsh $100
Anonymous $100
In honor of our friends we eat with every Saturday evening at Faith Soda Shop and our friends the owners of Faith Soda Shop by Howard and Arlene Haynes $50
In memory of Raymond, Sandy, Randy and Carl by Vick and Nancy..$100
In memory of Geraldine Miller by Lana Miller $50
Anonymous $25
In memory of Frank Pursel by Una Pursel $100
In memory of Ilene Wise, Irene Ritchie, Tripp Lampert, Kathleen Gray, West Spain, Blanche Lampert, Norman Beaver, Don Barger and Ann Myers by Beav, Swicy and Picita $30
Anonymous $100
In memory of Jake and Mollie by James and Jacque Rice $100
In memory of mothers Vivian and Maisie by James and Jacque Rice $100
In honor of Veterans of all U.S. Military branches by AMEVETS Post 565 $50
In honor of Natalie Breanna Lusk $200
Dr. and Mrs. Charles Steinman.$100
Total $2,596
Grand Total $40,448.16
Contact reporter Shavonne Potts at 704-797-4253.