The appeals that tug at the heart the most are those from elderly Northeast residents who are living alone, without much hope for a cheerful holiday.
They can’t get out much, most of them will tell you. Their spouses typically died years ago, and although the kids do what they can, these seniors make it day to day on their own, often beset by illness and the infirmities of age, often without friends who can make life just a bit brighter.
They write to the Northeast Times with a very simple request. Can they be helped out with a special holiday meal? Or perhaps presents that can bring a smile to family members?
This is the 56th year that our newspaper’s Eleanor Smylie Community Fund has reached out to aid people of the Northeast in need of help. The charitable endeavor, initiated by the late chairwoman and longtime owner of the Northeast Times, thrives at this time of year to provide nourishing holiday meals, with all the trimmings, and gifts to local residents who have been coping with hard times.
But the fund thrives for just one reason: It’s a tribute to the generosity of the people of the Northeast, whose monetary donations enable the fund to perform small miracles for individuals and families in the region. And the people of Northeast Philly come through for us every year.
With the approach of another holiday season, we must rely on your caring spirit once again. Letters already arriving at the Times offices express the hope of people that the fund will extend a helping hand and provide them with an enjoyable dinner or gifts that can be given to loved ones.
Some letters are from the people themselves. Others are sent on behalf of friends who need help, but the letter-writers often don’t want it known that they’ve intervened.
They often are letters that briefly detail the circumstances that have brought sudden — and, in many cases, burdensome — changes to people’s lives. The demise of a family and its home. The severe illness of a loved one. Single mothers who would love to promise the world to their children at Christmas, to make it a cherished time of wide-eyed splendor and magic, but instead despair that this special day will be like most other days in their lives, a challenge to pay the bills. A challenge to find silver linings and reasons to smile.
Last year, your contributions enabled our holiday fund to distribute nearly $9,000 worth of holiday meals, toys and gifts to help 82 families in need throughout the Northeast.
As the campaign progresses, 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 need help with gifts. 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. Letters seeking help also can be sent to the same address.
But we do require some information. If you or someone you know is in need of assistance, please write us a short letter explaining why help 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.
For so many years, our readers have been so important to efforts to reach out to others in the Northeast. We appreciate what you do to help them enjoy a holiday that’s a bit happier, and one that does wonders for faith in others.
Thank you. ••
