Following another couple days of donations to the Salisbury Post’s Christmas Happiness Fund, almost $2,000 have been collected for the Salvation Army of Rowan County to serve hundreds of area families.

Since 1952, members of the Rowan County community donated money around the holidays to facilitate the purchase of presents for less fortunate families to be able to give their children a good Christmas.

During that first year, the community raised nearly $2,000. 

The process to donate is simple. Individuals donate to the Christmas Happiness Fund, which is collected by the Salisbury Post. Typically, donations are made in honor or memory of someone. 

All of the funds that the Post collects are given to the Rowan County Salvation Army, which issues gift cards to families to buy presents. Recipients register in advance through the Christmas Bureau, which hosts an application drive where families apply for multiple programs, including Christmas Happiness and the Salvation Army’s Angel Tree. 

Donation forms have already started appearing in the newspaper. Any contributions collected after the drive concludes are rolled over into next year’s fund. 

Contributions can be brought to the Salisbury Post, located at 131 W. Innes St., weekdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. or mailed to Christmas Happiness c/o Salisbury Post, P.O. Box 4639, Salisbury, NC 28145. 

Checks can be made payable to Christmas Happiness Fund and donations can also be placed in the Salisbury Post front door mail slot.

Donations that have come in so far include:

• In memory of William Franklin Bloodworth “Bill” by Bobby & Relena Talbert — $25

• In memory of Robert Reid — $100

• In loving memory of my wonderful wife Karen Wilkerson, Love Forever and in honor of Karen R. Wilkerson by James D. Wilkerson — $25

• In memory of Leo & Geraldine Miller by Lana Miller — $100

• In honor of Tommy Kepley by Post 106 Kennedy-Hall American Legion — $100

Running total:  $1,675