The Northeast Times is kicking off its 66th annual Eleanor Smylie Community Fund charitable effort.Since originating in 1949, the fund has helped thousands of local families during the Christmas season.The fund matches families in need with community members who can offer help. All money collected is used to buy gift cards to provide holiday dinners to those who are struggling to make ends meet.
To those who have been fortunate and have a few extra dollars to spare, please donate to help others who may not have been so prosperous. 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 effort is an opportunity to help your neighbor down the street or a few blocks away. Every penny donated goes directly to those in need.
The Times will accept any donation amount — large or small — and will publish your name in the list of donors in the newspaper. If you prefer to donate anonymously, we can honor that request as well.
In 2013, the Times mailed more than $9,600 in gift cards to individuals and social service organizations that help the less fortunate during the holidays. The gift cards, to local supermarkets and department stores, helped people prepare a holiday dinner and purchase Christmas presents.
We hope to do even better this year.
Already this year, we’ve heard from a Holmesburg woman asking for help for her daughter and two grandsons, who live with her. Also, a Frankford woman asked if anything can be done for the three grandchildren she is raising in her apartment. And, a West Mayfair single mother of two asked for assistance.
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 19053
Tell us your story, and be sure to include a name and contact information for an agency or person for verification. Requests can also be sent through email to pronews@bsmphilly.com
Everything about the process is anonymous. If you are able to donate, send a check to the Eleanor Smylie Community Fund at the address above. Any amount will help. This is an opportunity for the people of Northeast Philadelphia to make a real difference and aid our neighbors in need. ••
