By Shavonne Walker
shavonne.walker@salisburypost.com

SALISBURY — Five years ago, the Carson Foundation was created as a way to “enhance the lives of less fortunate people, especially children,” and today the local nonprofit continues that same principle with a gift to the annual Christmas Happiness program.

Steven Carson, head of the family foundation, said they’ve donated to a variety of programs that help feed, educate or provide for children. They’ve given to the fund for the last couple of years. The Carson Foundation was founded by Steven’s mother in 2013.

Carson and his wife have personally donated to the fund in the past.

The donations to the Christmas Happiness Fund come from people in the community like the Carsons 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.

He said the family’s foundation’s real purpose is to help those in need through educational, nutritional or other giving opportunities.

The Salisbury Post-sponsored program began 64 years ago with then Post editor Spencer Murphy. He implored the community to help make the season brighter for area children who may not have otherwise received gifts that year. The tradition has continued and so has the need.

Contributions to Christmas Happiness may be delivered to the Salisbury Post, 131 W. Innes St., between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. weekdays or mailed to Salisbury Post Christmas Happiness Fund, P.O. Box 4639, Salisbury, N.C. 28145-4639. Please make checks payable to Christmas Happiness Fund and indicate how you want your donation listed.

Today’s contributions are:

• In memory of Camille Reische and Petie Foster by Insolite Book Club  $50
• In memory of Alice Jean Lyerly by Betty and Jim Lyerly  $50
• In loving memory of our brothers who have passed to that house, not made with hands, eternal in the heavens and in honor of the brothers of Andrew Jackson Masonic Lodge #576 Salisbury, NC  by Andrew Jackson Masonic Lodge Salisbury   $200
• Charles Buckley  $100
• Barbara Beaver  $100
• The Carson Foundation  $2,000