Seven years after Melvin and Florine Beachel took their infant niece into their home, they’re still hoping to adopt the now 8-year-old child they call “daughter.”

But over the years, the Beachels, of Mifflinburg, have fallen on hard times and they’ve been unable to come up with the $700 or so needed to adopt Chassidy.

In 2005, Mr. Beachel lost his job of 27 years when Pennsylvania House closed in Lewisburg and he’s landed, and lost, a few other jobs in the intervening years.

The last time he was laid off was in April, after working three months at Aurand’s Machinery, in Middleburg, and he’s been collecting unemployment benefits since.

“I’ve applied for lots of jobs, but I think my age is keeping people from hiring me,” the 55-year-old said.

Mrs. Beachel, also 55, worked for years at a local silk mill and as a bus driver before she began collecting disability payments because of a medical problem that arose two years ago.

The Beachels, who married 13 years ago and have adult children from prior relationships, have paid off their home at 111 Dice Road in Mifflinburg, but still struggle to pay for upkeep, heating oil and other necessities.

Soon after they bought a used washing machine, their dryer broke and they have no money to replace it.

A couple of months ago the gas company took away their 100-gallon tank for failing to pay the bill in full, so Mrs. Beachel has been baking at her older daughter’s nearby home.

“By the time we pay our bills, we’re lucky to have money left over,” she said.

The Beachels are among hundreds of Central Susquehanna Valley residents who have applied for assistance from the 23rd annual Needy Family Fund sponsored by The Daily Item, Sunbury Broadcasting Corp. and Susquehanna Bank in cooperation with the Salvation Army in Sunbury and Milton.

Started in 1987, the fund has raised $1.67 million and has provided food, clothing, gifts and financial assistance to needy families in Montour, Northumberland, Snyder and Union counties every holiday season.

This year, as it has been since 2005, the goal is to raise $75,000 by Dec. 25.

The stories of people and families in need will be brought to The Daily Item readers and Sunbury Broadcasting Corp. radio listeners every day now through Christmas Day.

“With unemployment growing, and families everywhere tightening the belt on spending, the Needy Family Fund has never been more essential,” said Roger S. Haddon, president and CEO of Sunbury Broadcasting. “We are again hopeful that those with means help their neighbors who are struggling to make ends meet. This area’s ability to rise to that challenge is always a shining symbol of true holiday spirit.”