Reach out
to aid others

It’s getting closer. Barely more than two weeks remain until the celebration of Christmas, and people throughout the Northeast, and elsewhere, are hurrying here and there, taking care of those final details to put a smile on the faces of loved ones.
But the holiday has a much deeper meaning, a meaning far more spiritual than the quest to find that "perfect gift." It’s the one time of year when we can really reach out to help others.
For 52 years, that has been the mission of the Northeast Times Eleanor Smylie Community Fund — to provide holiday turkey dinners to Northeast families and individuals in need. The fund continues as a tribute to Eleanor Smylie, the late chairwoman and matriarch of the family that owned the newspaper for 65 years, and who started the charitable venture a half-century ago.
Its success has always been possible through the compassion of our readers, who’ve always come through with their financial contributions to our holiday fund. Last year, our readers helped our campaign distribute more than 55 dinners with all the trimmings to people in need — both individuals and families — throughout the area.
"I am embarrassed to ask for assistance. My husband recently walked out on me and our 11-year-old son," one woman wrote to us. "Paying the rent and bills by myself is really tough. I am having trouble putting food on the table and don’t see how I can provide a Christmas meal. I would appreciate any help you can give."
Such appeals for help are why we can’t overemphasize the importance of the Times fund. We don’t care how much you contribute, just that you do. The meals project strives to help people right here in the Northeast, perhaps people you know.
And their letters appealing for help arrive daily.
"My daughter and her six-year-old live with me. We live on my disability check," another Northeast resident wrote. "I suffer with multiple sclerosis and cannot work. My daughter is a full-time student. Money for food is very scarce. We would appreciate a helping hand with food for the holidays."
With Christmas just 19 days away, donations are down from past years. The season can be tough for a lot of people, and we understand. There are a lot of charitable endeavors out there. And a lot of appeals for your money.
But it doesn’t take a lot of money to share some happiness with others in the Northeast who may not be as fortunate.
As usual, we’ll be publishing the names of readers who have donated to the fund. Or, if you prefer, we’ll honor your wishes to remain anonymous.
We gladly welcome letters from Northeast residents who are facing a particularly tough time this season and would be grateful for a special holiday dinner. Or, if you’re a relative or neighbor who knows of someone, tell us about it.
So readers, please, if you can help, send contributions to the Northeast Times Eleanor Smylie Community Fund, 2512 Metropolitan Drive, Trevose, PA 19053.
If you or someone you know is in need of a holiday meal, please write us a short letter explaining why assistance is needed. Include your name, address and telephone number. Also, we require that people asking for help provide the name and phone number of a person or agency so that we may verify a recipient’s situation. Those letters also can be sent to the Times, in care of the Eleanor Smylie Community Fund, at the address above.
Our readers have always made a difference at this time of year to brighten the lives of others. Thank you. ••