SALISBURY — Thanksgiving is over and Christmas is around the corner. But for some Rowan County families, it isn’t as easy as heading to the store for holiday shopping.

Since 1952, area families who are eligible have been able to take a voucher or gift card to a local store and buy a few gifts for their children through the Christmas Happiness Fund.

The fund was started by then-Salisbury Post editor Spencer Murphy.

He asked area residents to help children in the community who would not otherwise receive gifts. The donations poured in from the community and have continued since that time.

Every eligible family receives a gift card for each child to purchase toys or clothing.

The Salisbury Post collects the donations and turns them over to the Salvation Army. That local organization distributes gift cards that are used to buy clothing or toys at Walmart.

As Giving Tuesday nears, consider making a contribution to the Christmas Happiness Fund.

Contributions 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.

Contact reporter Shavonne Walker at 704-797-4253.