SALISBURY — Since they were in elementary school, a group of local women have been sharing life together. In the past several years, that have eaten dinner together once a month.

They call themselves the Girls Nite Out Gals. It’s a group of about eight women nearing their 70s. The women lost one of their own in 2014. Bettie Harrington Fesperman, who survived lung cancer, died in a traffic crash.

“We have always donated in her memory because it was very important to her to make a donation every year. We miss her so much,” said Kay Farmer-Young.

The women have been collecting donations since 2014 because they wanted to continue what Bettie had always done — give to the Christmas Happiness Fund.

Christmas Happiness supports local children who may not receive gifts for Christmas. The donations are contributed by the community, collected at the Salisbury Post and distributed by the Salvation Army of Rowan County.

“She was adamant about giving, and we decided to take that up. She gave to it in honor of her grandchildren,” Farmer-Young said.

The women also give in honor of their friend Donna Furr, who beat breast cancer.

The women all grew up in the China Grove-Kannapolis area. They all attended the same South Rowan schools and have stayed connected through the years.

“Whatever I get, I mail it in,” Farmer-Young said.

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.

Today’s contributions are: