Christian churches around the world lit the first candle of the Advent season during Sunday services. The candle of Hope.

Hope. That word conjers up a myriad of reactions. Hope of peace. Hope of good health. Hope of good will to all mankind. Hope of a good grade on that test. Hope of a promotion at work. Hope that special someone will call...

And then, of course, all the good little boys and girls are hoping Santa will be generous to them.

We hope you will help fulfill that wish with an early and generous donation to the 2007 Christmas Happiness fund.

Bring contributions to the Salisbury Post, 131 W. Innes St., between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. weekdays or mail them to The Salisbury Post Christmas Happiness Fund, P.O. Box 4639, Salisbury, NC 28145-4639. Make checks payable to the Christmas Happiness Fund and indicate how you wish your donation listed.

Yesterday's total $11,239

In honor of our teachers Carl Eagle and Walt Poteat, from Messiah Lutheran Church Adult Sunday School Class $100

Anonymous $4

In loving memory of Lewis J. Alsobrooks, from Margaret L. Alsobrooks $25

In honor of Amanda, from HoHo and PaPa $50

In memory of Jeff Freirich, my husband, with all my love, Digna Freirich $100

In memory of Abigail Burroughs, from Gene Krueger $20

In memory of Bob and Mildred Campbell, from K.C. Peacock $60

Anonymous $30

In honor of our staff at Salisbury Pediatric Associates, from Mark, Jeannie and Ian Lins $200

In loving memory of our parents, Eloise and Harry Miller, and brother, Jim Miller, from Jane, Peggy and Annette $50

In honor of Chester and Marie Wall and Glenna Lingle and in memory of Hayden Lingle. We are thankful for the blessings of having loving Christian parents, from Glenn and Sue Wall $100

In memory of William L. Allison $25

Anonymous $90

In memory of Harold Lentz, from Extended Ministries Endowment of St. Mark's Lutheran Church of China Grove $2,000

Willie G. and Joy Allen $100

Anonymous $50

In loving memory of my mother, Dorothy Rogers, and friends and family we miss very much, from Karen and James Wilkerson $20

In loving memory of Kelly Trude and Danielle Borate $50

In honor of Tim, Pat Macy and Grant, from Charles and Gale $200

In memory of Ray and Irene McCombs $100

In memory of Oscar, Edith and Gregory Hollifield $100

In memory of Eugene McCombs and Eugene "Skippy" McCombs Jr. $100

In honor of our deceased members, from Salisbury Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. $200

In memory of Jim, Love always, Kay $20

In memory of John Sr. and Flossie Tolley, from John and Nell Tolley $20

In memory of Clarence and Clara Misenheimer, from John and Nell Tolley $20

In honor of teachers and staff of Erwin Middle School, from Charles C. Erwin Middle School National Junior Honor Society $50

Anonymous $100

Peace and happiness, from the Follas-Wagner family $25

Molly Lyerly/Daisy Poplin Welca Group of Union Lutheran Church $20

In loving memory of my husband, John Joseph Maloney, and my brother, Eugene Stephen Kelley, from Patricia $25

Today's total $15,293