Shelly Galloway and the staff at Yang Family Dentistry see on a daily basis the contribution their boss, Dr. Steve Yang, makes in the community with the nonprofit organization he and wife, Lori, began more than a decade ago. The staff wanted to give back to the community in the same way by making a contribution of their own to the Christmas Happiness Fund.
The contribution was given in honor of the Yangs and their children, Alex, John, Ellen and Ashley, and in memory of their son Michael Yang, who died in 2001. The couple started the Michael Yang Foundation, which primarily supports Circle of Hope, a grief support group for parents who have lost children.
Christmas Happiness contributions are collected at the Salisbury Post. The donations are listed in the paper each day. The Salvation Army of Rowan County distributes those contributions to area families in need. Families receive a gift card to buy Christmas presents for each child who qualifies.
The Salvation Army has distributed the gift cards for this year. Other Christmas Happiness contributions that come in will start the program for next year.
“This is the first time and we just felt like it was the perfect way to honor him and his family because of how much they give to the community and the difference they make in people’s lives,” Galloway said.
Before starting his solo practice six years ago, Yang partnered with now-retired dentist Dr. Wilbur Blackman.
The Christmas Happiness Fund is so far reaching, Galloway said, and so many people are affected by the giving.
“It’s a prime example of what Dr. Yang and his family do. There are just so many people they touch,” she said. Galloway said the Yang family members are very close and the staff at Yang Family Dentistry are also a close-knit bunch.
“We are just so blessed to be working with him and for him and all of the staff,” Galloway said.
Bring contributions to the Salisbury Post, 131 W. Innes St., between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. weekdays or mail them to The Salisbury Post Christmas Happiness Fund, P.O. Box 4639, Salisbury, NC 28145-4639.
Make checks payable to the Christmas Happiness Fund and indicate how you wish your donations to be listed. Please write legibly to ensure that donations can be listed accurately.
Today’s contributions are:
In honor of Dr. Julie Morrow by her staff $50
Jim and Betty Smith $400
In honor of our teachers, Jeanne Shaver for her faithfulness and Clyde Harriss who retired after years of faithful service by Patterson-Wessinger S.S. Class , St. Mark’s Lutheran Church in Christ $25
In honor of Steve, Lori, Alex, John, Ellen and Ashley Yang and in memory of Michael Yang by Shelly Galloway $100
In memory of Jim Beaudion, who was a very valuable member of the Rowan Doll Society by Rowan Doll Society $100
In memory of Mr. and Mrs. L.M. Yost, Jack and Peggy Yost, John and Edith Mesimore, Buddy Yost, Sue Frick, Tom Wilson, Gene Wilson, Dupree Stone, Ronnie Yates, Sr. and Jerry Parker by The Yost Family $150
In memory of Myrtice and Dimp Roberts by Ginny P. Mabey and Andy Parnell $150
In memory of Irvin Parnell, Sr. by Ginny P. Mabey and Andy Parnell $75
Boyden High School Class of ’47 $100
In memory of Shotgun and Helen Rae Talbert by Todd, Lisa, Logan and Landon Shuping $25
In memory of D.L. “Shorty” and Virginia Miller by Nancy Jean Storie and Beth Miller $100
In loving memory of Jim, Sue and Mac Sample and Annette and H. B. Bryan by Sue and Sturges Bryan $100
In memory of Brenda Benton by Ro Co. CofC/Charlene Deese Maness $75

Total $1,450
Running Total $44,755.37