Helping others: 'You can always do something' is the lesson a Salisbury family shared

The Christmas Happiness Fund in Rowan County raised $31,704.28 this year to support gifts for children through the Rowan chapter of the Salvation Army, and Kristy Wood said her parents taught her that 'you can always do something' to help others.

The Christmas Happiness Fund, a Rowan County tradition dating to 1952, wrapped another season after collecting donations this year. Organizers reported a running total of $31,704.28, slightly below last year’s $32,313.19. The fund provides a way for people to honor loved ones while helping to provide Christmas gifts to children through the Rowan chapter of the Salvation Army. Members of the Nolen family gave in memory of David and Jackye Nolen and described how their parents modelled giving in many forms. Key details: - The Christmas Happiness Fund has operated since 1952. - This year’s total reported was $31,704.28, compared with $32,313.19 last year. - Proceeds help provide Christmas gifts to children through the Rowan chapter of the Salvation Army. - The Nolen family made a donation in memory of David and Jackye Nolen. - Kristy Wood said her parents taught her and her sister that "you might not have the money financially, but you can always do something to help somebody even if it's just a smile." - Wood noted her mother died unexpectedly on Christmas Eve in 2021. Summary: The donations collected this season will support the fund’s work of providing gifts and honoring loved ones, and family giving traditions were highlighted in the coverage. Undetermined at this time.