SALISBURY — There wasn’t a lot of money in the Thompson household, but there was always love and warmth.

That’s why the children of Betty and John Thompson decided to give to the Christmas Happiness Fund this week.

John Thompson died Sept. 30 and Elizabeth, who went by the nickname Betty, died a couple of months later on Nov. 12. The couple raised eight children in Salisbury.

“Christmas was a big time for my parents. They always sacrificed a lot,” said son Mike Thompson.

He said although there wasn’t much money, his parents always made sure the children had a good dinner and a gift.

“It was a very warm time and a very loving time,” Thompson said.

He said oftentimes his parents didn’t buy gifts for themselves so that there was enough for the children.

Thompson said the donation is a way for the family to let his parents know they are still loved and as a way to help someone else.

“Family is important. We have a responsibility to our family but a greater responsibility to the family around us. We really are all family and have a responsibility to reach out to those in need,” he said.

Thompson said a lot of people are hurting and the Christmas Happiness Fund is a way to give to them.

“This might bring happiness to someone else,” he said of the contribution.

Thompson is a retired teacher who taught religion and sometimes social studies at Sacred Heart Catholic School.