SALISBURY — In the 1990s, a group of men from First Presbyterian Church began gathering for a friendly game of pool at the home of now retired minister Bob Lewis.

Lewis lived on Bethel Drive and had a basement with a large pool table. There were eight to 10 men who played each week.

“We had at least six, with two to take on the winners,” Lewis recalled.

Many of the men still gather to play, but now they assemble at Nashville Nights. Lewis, who downsized his home and searched for a new place to play pool, still gathers with many of the original members who have since dubbed themselves the Wednesday Night Pool Shooters.

Lewis donated $100 to the Christmas Happiness Fund in honor of his pool buddies.

“We are close. We are supportive of one another. We are kind of a good fraternity,” Lewis said.

Through the years, a few members have dropped out because of health ailments and others have moved.

Lewis connected with former Nashville Nights co-owner Dick Palmore, who allowed the men to play pool.

“Wednesday night is free pool. It works out,” Lewis said.

“He put out the red carpet for us. The new owner is just as gracious,” Lewis said.

Lewis said the reason he donated to the fund was in appreciation and gratitude for what the guys mean to him.

“Three years ago, I was sick and didn’t know if I would make it,” he said.

His friends provided transportation, brought him food and offered support.

Lewis has been a contributor to the Christmas Happiness Fund for a number of years.

“I believe in that and like to participate in it and give. Most of us are blessed people, and it’s our opportunity to give something back. It’s a joy to be able to give something back,” he said.

The Salisbury Post has been collecting donations since the early 1950s and those contributions are turned over to the Salvation Army of Rowan County. The organization distributes vouchers that are used at a local business where parents are able to buy gifts for their children.

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, NC 28145-4639. Make checks payable to Christmas Happiness Fund and indicate how you want your donation listed.

Today’s contributions are: