Final Christmas Happiness

Published 12:00 am Friday, January 1, 2016

By Shavonne Walker

shavonne.walker@salisburypost.com

The Christmas Happiness Fund has come to a close with the community contributing a record number of donations this year, which is the 63rd year since it began. The program was started by then-Post editor, the late Spencer Murphy.

In the first year, the community donated $1,801. This year, the day before Christmas — the last official day of giving — Rowan Countians donated $55,042.45.

Some area residents continued to give to the fund even after Christmas. The money contributed this week will start the fund for next year.

This week’s donation:

Rowan Doll Society … $116
In honor of Men and Women KIA by Jack and Jackie Burke … $240
In honor of all veterans or their surviving spouses and all of the family members, caretakers, or friends who have made sure the veterans kept their appointments with me on time and all the veterans and family members with whom I have made friends during the past 8 years by Elaine C. Howle (Owl) … $100
Total $456
Running Total $55,498.45