Former GE employee gives to Christmas Happiness in honor of Rowan Vocational Opportunities

Published 12:00 am Wednesday, December 25, 2019

By Shavonne Potts

By Shavonne Walker

shavonne.walker@salisburypost.com

SALISBURY — Tim Deal worked at GE for 37 years and was responsible for coordinating the flow of materials to and from Rowan Vocational Opportunities where he got to know the clients there. This week Tim and his wife, Karen, donated to the Christmas Happiness Fund in honor of the organization’s clients.

Rowan Vocational Opportunities is a nonprofit rehabilitation facility that provides work adjustment, vocational training, and long-term or transitory employment and life skills for people with developmental or intellectual disabilities. 

“I got to know them. They are wonderful people — a real asset to the community,” Deal said.

He’s given to the Christmas Happiness Fund for the last two to three years, particularly this year because he wanted others to enjoy the blessings he’s been able to receive through his work with GE and Rowan Vocational Opportunities.

“Rowan Vocational Opportunities is a special organization and a real asset to the community and services they provide,” Deal said.

The Christmas Happiness Fund began nearly 70 years ago after then Post Editor Spencer Murphy learned some area children would not receive gifts at Christmas. He asked the community to donate to them and the program has continued since that time.

The fund program is sponsored by the Salisbury Post, which collects contributions. The Rowan Salvation Army distributes vouchers to eligible families.

Today’s contributions are:

In honor of the staff and clients, Rowan Vocational Opportunities by Tim and Karen Deal $25.00
In memory of all who have served at Allen Temple by Allen Temple Presbyterian Church $35.00
In memory of Patsy Reynolds, John O. Reynolds, III, Patrick Virtue, Scott Rierson and David Goodman by family and friends $250.00
In honor of Hazel Trexler-Campbell and Vince Campbell and in memory of Lovie S. Trexler by Yvonne Ellenburg $40.00
Anonymous $100.00
Joyce Caddell $300.00
In honor of Dr. and Mrs. Charles Steinman by The Combs Family $100.00
In loving memory of Raymond and Susan Dennis, Roy and Louise Drye, Hoy and Bonnie Drye, Shirley Payne and Linda Swink by Pete and Linda Swink $100.00
In memory of Brandon Brewer and in honor of Wanda Bradshaw by Gladys, Brenda and Diane $15.00
In memory of the best grandmother ever, Mama Burton, and in honor of our awesome grandfather, Papa Floyd Burton who will celebrate his 100th birthday on December 28th. Merry Christmas and Happy Birthday Papa! by Drew, Chris, Bubba and Megan $50.00
In honor of John Ketner, A Good Samaritan $25.00
In memory of John and Catherine Kirk and in honor of their children: Mary Ann, Johnny, Margie, Jay, Cathy, Rita and Betty by Joseph Kirk $25.00
Total $1,065.00
Running Total $41,704.65
Correction: In memory of Ralph Walton and in honor of Colleen Walton. Love your Granite friends: Gayle, Nancy, Tammy, Karen, Wanda, Ann, Carol, Sara, Roselyn and Bonnie.

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