Thanksgiving is coming up this week, with Christmas only a month away.
The Times has already heard from residents requesting help this holiday season.
The 68th annual Eleanor Smylie Community Fund has helped thousands of local families during the Christmas season.
Each year, the Times asks its readers to contribute to the fund. All money collected is used to buy gift cards to provide holiday dinners 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.
In 2015, the Times mailed almost $8,000 in gift cards to individuals and social service organizations that help the less fortunate during the holidays. The gift cards, to local supermarkets, helped 166 people and families prepare a holiday dinner and purchase Christmas presents.
We hope to do even better this year.
Among those we’ve heard from is a Holmesburg woman who is struggling to raise her two children, who are both autistic.
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
2 Executive Campus
Suite 400
Cherry Hill, NJ 08002
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. ••
