SALISBURY — From the $1,811.41 raised in the first year the Christmas Happiness fund was created nearly 70 years ago to this year’s $39,566.78, more joy has been spread to children who may not have been able to enjoy the holidays as happily in Rowan County.

Then-Salisbury Post Editor Spencer Murphy asked readers in an editorial that first year to help children receive gifts for Christmas and readers have been responding ever since. The Post collects money from the community before passing donations along to the Rowan chapter of the Salvation Army, which distributes the funds. Any donations received after Christmas are used to start next year’s fund.

Contributions since Christmas:

• In loving memory of Irvin and Melba Parnell, by Ginny Parnell Mabey and Andy Parnell — $150
• In loving memory of Dimp and Myrtice Roberts, by Ginny Parnell Mabey and Andy Parnell — $150
• In memory of Gary McNeely and Verne McCombs, by Corbin Hills Sunday Afternoon Regulars Christmas Tournament — $1500
• In memory of my wife Evelyn Morgan, by Warren Morgan — $100
• In honor of the City of Salisbury for support of local races and their charities, by Salisbury Rowan Runners — $250
• In memory of Dermot and Katharyn Weaver, Ned and Ilene Norris and Mark Norris — $100
• In honor of Grandmama and Pinky Love, Juli, Baxter, Lola and Tux — $25
• In honor of Sherri Caster, by Racine Douglas — $25
• In memory of my late husband Steve Douglas, by Racine Douglas — $25
• In loving memory of Bettie Fesperman and Donna Burr, by our “Girls Nite Out” gals. We miss your girls every day. — $150
• In memory of Bud and Retta McClamrock and Dallie and Darwin Billingsley, by David and Kim Billingsley — $250
• In memory of friends and co-workers of Norman’s of Salisbury and other friends we have lost, by Pocita and Swicy — $20
• In memory of Meredith E. Hylton, by Bill and Nancy Hylton — $100
• In memory of Barbara Stone Hoffman, by Sam L. Hoffman Sr. — $100

Total  $2,945.00

Running Total  $39,566.78