Thanksgiving is over, and the Christmas shopping season is underway. Many local people, though, are struggling this holiday season.
The Times’ annual Eleanor Smylie Community Fund, now in its 67th year, has helped thousands of local families since its inception.
Each year, we ask our readers to contribute to the fund. All money collected is used to buy gift cards to provide holiday dinners and gifts to those who are struggling to make ends meet.
Each donation will make a difference, regardless of the amount, and will help provide a holiday meal and ensure each child will have at least one present under their Christmas tree.
The Times will publish your name in a list of donors. If you prefer to donate anonymously, we will honor that request.
The gift cards go to individuals and social service organizations that help the less fortunate during the holidays. The gift cards, to local supermarkets, helped people prepare a holiday dinner and purchase Christmas presents.
So far this year, we’ve received some generous contributions. Also, we’ve heard from people seeking help.
A Rhawnhurst mother of two recently lost her job. A disabled senior citizen in Tacony has no family to help her. A Mayfair man who fought in World War II is in need of help. A Holmesburg woman is helping to raise her two grandchildren.
If you would like to request help, or if you know of someone who could use assistance during the holidays, please take a few minutes to write a letter. The address is:
Eleanor Smylie Community Fund
3412 Progress Drive
Suite C
Bensalem, PA 19020
Include a name and contact information for an agency or person for verification. Requests can also be sent to pronews@bsmphilly.com
Everything about the process will remain anonymous.
If you are able to donate, please send a check to the Eleanor Smylie Community Fund at the address above. Any amount will help.
Thank you for your consideration. ••
