By Times Staff 11/16/2011 3:03 pm

I was laid off from my job a few months ago. It’s been hard to keep a roof over our heads, provide food and pay our bills. I would love to see my daughters smile on Christmas. I would appreciate anything your holiday fund could do to help our struggling family.

That excerpt from a letter written to us by a Northeast mother is sadly typical of the appeals we are receiving for assistance from our Eleanor Smylie Community Fund. It’s also another year of a difficult economy for all of us, but especially for those concerned about providing holiday meals and presents when it’s difficult enough to make ends meet.

That has become the mission of the Eleanor Smylie Community Fund. It was conceived decades ago by the former longtime owner of the Northeast Times, and this is the 56th year of reaching out to help friends and neighbors in need.

This charitable endeavor has endured so long because of the compassion and generosity of the people of Northeast Philadelphia. Year after year, your monetary contributions to our holiday campaign have enabled the Times to respond to the appeals of families who can only dream of providing that holiday setting of love, happiness and gratitude.

Since the passing of my husband a couple years ago, my family has been struggling. I can’t allow pride to keep me from asking for help for my children.

As we commence another holiday season, we need to solicit your caring spirit once again. The amount of money you’re able to contribute has never been the issue. All that matters is that you want to contribute. In the end, it all adds up to a lot of heart-warming gestures.

Last year, even amid harsh times, it was remarkable that the holiday campaign raised nearly $9,000 to help more than 80 families in Northeast Philadelphia to enjoy holiday meals or give cherished presents to their children.

This charitable endeavor has endured so long because of the compassion and generosity of the people of Northeast Philadelphia. 

And, as always, we are so appreciative of your help. Your contributions to our holiday campaign have enabled the Times to answer the appeals of families who can only dream of providing that holiday season to remember.

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 deserving, 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.