By Sarah Campbell
scampbell@salisburypost.com
CHINA GROVE — Bill and Jeanette Corriher aren’t just neighbors to Bobby and Corky Garver, they’re friends.
That friendship has grown in the 38 years the couples have lived beside each other on Millbridge Road.
And the day Corky was diagnosed with cancer five years ago, the pair became a second family.
“They have been so supportive of me all these years,” Corky said. “They have never gotten tired of it.”
Corky said the couple has been “beyond wonderful.”
“They brought us meals constantly and they called us to see how each doctor’s appointment went,” she said. “They have just stepped up to do anything they could to make our lives better.”
This year, the Garvers decided to honor their friends with a donation to Christmas Happiness.
“It’s just a small token of appreciation for what they’ve done for me,” she said.
Money collected through Christmas Happiness is given to the Rowan County Department of Social Services to buy Christmas gifts for children from low-income families.
Corky said she knows the Corrihers will be grateful that the donation is going to help children.
“I wanted to give them something, but I didn’t know what to buy them,” she said. “I know they will appreciate this.”
This isn’t the first time the Garvers have donated to Christmas Happiness. It’s become an annual Christmas tradition.
“My heart has always gone out to this,” Corky said. “I just think it’s a wonderful thing to do.”
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 Tuesday:
In honor of all my furry faithful friends by Sasha Kitty who lives at Stitchin Post $50
Paul and Beth Woodson and Vogue Cleaners Employees $100
Prime Timers of First United Church of Christ $50
In honor of our special super neighbors: Bill and Jeanette Corriher by Bobby and Corky Garver $100
Wishing a Merry Christmas for every child by Carolyn and Earl Alexander $100
In loving memory of my wonderful husband Leslie Lee and in lieu of Christmas Cards to my family and friends: Bible Book Store, Salisbury Mall Walkers, Sunday School Class at Salem by Doris M. Lee $25
In honor of my family by Evelyn S. Reavis $300
In honor of Janis and Ronnie Smith and Carolyn and Gerald Ross by Roy and Sarah Snider, Jr. $200
In memory of Clifford Ray and Wilbert and Pearl Kluttz Lyerly and in honor of Wilber and Carolyn Lyerly by Jean Ray $200
In honor of teachers: Janet Rash and Brent Watson by Doyt Watson Sunday School Class of Salem Lutheran Church $50
In memory of my mother Mary Shaw May by Jane M. Ritchie $100
In honor of Walter Ryerson, Sr. by Walter and Cathy Ryerson Jr. $25
In memory of Martha Wall Riley, Callie and Charles Wall, Margaret and Richard W. Riley, Sr., Brothers: Richard Riley, Jr., James Riley, John Riley and Son: Joseph E. Riley, Jr. by Joseph Riley $50
Anonymous $50
In memory of Dallas and Carmel Ammons by Pat and Mike Johnson $100
In memory of James Ray Sides and in honor of Gavin Ray Talley by Greg and Janice Peeler $100
In memory of J.W. McIntyre by John Wesley Sunday School Class of Woodleaf Methodist Church $20
In memory of Wade Gentry, Jackie Easter, Annie Laxton and Smokey Laxton by Jerry and Nancy Laxton $250
In memory of Sonny Lambert by Mom and the 4 D’s and grandkids $25
In honor of Pastor Dan and Beth Gobble by Providence UMW…..$300
In memory of Marion Goodman Murphy by Richard and Elizabeth Goodman $100
In honor of John And D.J. Whitfield by Skyler, Miles and Will $50
In honor of Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior by Sunday School Dunn’s Mtn. Baptist Church $50
In honor of Jayne and Joel Hubbard with gratitude from Oliver $100
In honor of Charles F. Fisher Chapter No. 73, Children of the Confederacy from the Robert F. Hoke Chapter No. 78, United Daughters of the Confederacy $20
In appreciation for the Veterans of the US Military and their families, Thank You by Mr. and Mrs. Edison C. Curtis $25
In honor of our children and grandchildren by Leebert and Barbara Ketner $200
In honor of teachers: Ben Brown and Lane Brown by Adult #2 SS Class of Organ Lutheran Church $40
J. David and Anita B. Foreman. $100
In memory of the best grandmother ever, Mama Burton and in honor of the best grandfather, ever Papa Burton by Drew and Bubba Morris $100
In memory of Bill Kendall by Betsy and Hal Rhoads $50
In memory of Mr. and Mrs. JC Livengood by family of Mr. and Mrs. JC Livengood $70
In honor of our grandchildren: Abby, Ally, Ethan, Ellie, Bailey and Lucas by Buddy and Ann Wilhelm $50
In memory of Gilbert Bernhardt and in honor of Jams Durham by Men’s Bible Class of Shiloh Reformed Church Faith $100
In honor of Grayson, Lady, Juanita, Dugan, Lucky and LuLu by Nan Zimmerman $25
In memory of Mildred Merrell and in honor of Sunday School Teachers: Dwight Miller, Elbert Kluttz and Steve Walton by Mildred Merrell Sunday School Class $100
In my heart forever — My Fred and sons: Mark and Freddy, I Love You So Much by June Gregory $100
Total $3,475.00
Grand Total $43,923.16