This is the third year that The Enterprise has helped spread the word for the Hilltowns Community Resource Center about its Holiday Fund for Seniors, which replaced the Albany Times Union Fund for the Elderly.

Three years ago, The Enterprise got a call from Kathleen Speck, director of the resource center, which is a program of Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Albany. In the past, she said, each senior identified by the resource center received $50.

“We will have 60 to 70 very disappointed seniors,” said Speck. “A lot of them are on their own, living on Social Security. Fifty bucks is a big deal to them.”

Speck asked The Enterprise to write about some of the Hilltown seniors and we were happy to oblige, devoting our holiday special section to the cause.

The resource center’s fund drive was a success, giving the seniors last year and the year before just what they expected. The center is continuing the drive this year so we have again written some heartfelt stories about Hilltown seniors.

With the help of the Helderberg Kiwanis and St. Thomas the Apostle Church in Delmar, the center plans to give food baskets and a check to about 70 Hilltown and Altamont residents.

The need is greater than ever this year, Speck said.

Anyone who wants to contribute to the Hilltowns Community Resource Center Holiday Fund for Seniors may write a check payable to HCRC with a notation in the memo line, “Senior Fund.” Dollars will be redistributed to eligible seniors through the Catholic Charities. Checks may be mailed to the Hilltowns Community Resource Center, Post Office Box 147, 15 Route 1, Westerlo, NY  12193.

Contributions may also be made at collection buckets placed throughout the community.

— Melissa Hale-Spencer, editor