The Christmas Happiness Fund, which began almost 70 years ago, is winding down for another year, with donations going to help provide Christmas gifts for children through the Rowan chapter of the Salvation Army.

Since the last publication, two additional donations were made including one for $100 in loving memory of Anne Greenland Kennedy, Mark Perry and Senior Chief Robert Hopkins, USN from Bruce Greenland and a $150 donation in memory of the deceased classmates of the Boyden Class of 1959, bringing the running total to $32,313.19, which is down from last year’s total of $39,566.78.

Donations ranged in age and dollar amount, and no matter how much was given, the money not only helps to provide for children, but it also gives a way for donors to remember someone special in their lives and the impact they have made in the community.

Some of this year’s youngest givers were the children in the pre-school program at First United Methodist Church. They dropped off their annual donation, giving a gift of $304.12 in memory of George Hines, who saved his own change to donate to the children’s penny harvest which he donated to the fund.

Other groups donating to remember someone was the Insolite Book Club in memory of Petie Palmer who was one of the group’s founding members and who supported the fund and encouraged the group to give.

The Boyden High School Lunch Bunch remembered one of its classmates, Joyce Leazer Yost, who just recently died. The group donated $316 as a way to give back to the community.

The Sunday Afternoon Regulars at Corbin Hills Golf Club is a regular group of donors which holds an annual golf tournament to benefit the Christmas Happiness Fund. This year, the group raised $4,305 to share with the fund.

Individuals likewise took this opportunity to remember loved. Phil Kirk’s donation honored his late wife Margaret who died from cancer almost 12 years ago and other friends he lost this past year. He also said he gives because there is so much need.

James Wilkerson donated to the Christmas fund in memory of his late wife Karen. They were married for 31 years before she died in 2023 and he said she was always really nice to everyone.

Firefighter Justin Monroe was remembered by Carolyn Brown Hicks as she gave her gift to the fund in his memory, something she said she does each year to keep Monroe’s memory alive. He and fellow firefighter Vic Isler lost their lives fighting a fire in 2008.

Mike Thompson gave his donation to remember his parents, John and Betty Thompson, and eye doctor, Dr. John Crawford, who all supported him during his life and made sacrifices for him. He said he feels it is important to give and support community projects.

Donations to the Christmas Happiness Fund this year also honored groups for their dedication and hard work.

Eileen and Ed Hanson-Kelly wanted to recognize public school teachers and staff with their donation and say thank you to them. Plus they wanted to give so that every child had a special gift at Christmas. 

Dottie Rebhan donated to recognize the volunteers of the Humane Society of Rowan County. She said that they are “the kindest, most dedicated, hardworking people you will ever meet.”

The Christmas Happiness Fund will return in 2025.