Carla Mallinson has seen firsthand what it’s like for children to not receive anything for Christmas. She worked for 16 years with the Rowan County Department of Social Services and for much of that time has given to the Christmas Happiness Fund.

She and her husband, Jim, have been giving to the Fund for the last 10 years. Mallinson retired in August as a supervisor for foster home licensing.

“I just admire them so much. These people put their hearts on the line every day and care for these children. They amaze me,” Carla said.

She said to some, a $30 voucher per child may not seem like a lot.

“For these families that have so little; it’s helped out so many families. It’s a marvelous thing, and I hope we can keep doing it,” she said of Christmas Happiness.

Carla quickly fell in love with the foster families and the children, she said.

Carla said she doesn’t miss the stress, but she does miss the children, families and her co-workers.

The donations to the Christmas Happiness Fund come from people in the community who earmark their gift in memory or honor of someone. Donations are brought to the Salisbury Post during business hours. The money is then given to the Salvation Army of Rowan County to distribute to eligible families.