NORTHUMBELAND — The idea of signing up for the Needy Family Fund never crossed the mind of a Northumberland woman.

“Someone brought it to my attention,” she said.

And that’s when she decided to apply.

The mother of four, who asked to remain anonymous, lives and supports her family through Supplemental Security Income. She is battling an illness and does not receive any other support.

“Things are really hard, and really tight,” she said. “There is no money.”

This is the first time she has applied for the Needy Family Fund, and she hopes to be able to give her children gifts this holiday season.

“They really don’t ask for a lot,” she said of her children, ages 18, 14, 11 and 7.

Her youngest enjoys playing with Littlest Pet Shop toys, and she said she hopes to get her other children clothes and some jewelry.

“It’s hard,” she said. “I struggle to just pay bills and keep a roof over their heads.”

The Needy Family Fund, sponsored by The Daily Item, Sunbury Broadcasting Corp. and Susquehanna Bank, provides food, clothing and gifts to the Valley’s less fortunate. It is administered by Salvation Army citadels in Sunbury and Milton.

Today’s balance is $70,816.

Recent donors are Alfred Riss Associates, $100; Donald and Lois Ely, Sunbury, $100; Jason Aucker, $30; Dixie Anderson and Justin Capers, Lewisburg, $200; Witmer’s Community Center, Port Trevorton, $100; Hannah, Lucas and Mary Ellen, $25; and Kenneth and Julie Trometter, Shamokin Dam; $100.

Also, Susan and Andrew Frye, Northumberland, $100; The Middleswarth Foundation, Selinsgrove, $1,000; Harry and Ruth Miller, Milton, $25; Ronald Mowery, New Columbia, $50; Shirley Irvin, Lewisburg, $25; “in memory of Eugene Fultz Jr.,” by Ken and Linda Herman, Selinsgrove, $25; and “in memory of son Todd and grandson TJ,” by LeRoy and Sue Schrader, Herndon, $100.

Also, Tom and Lois Clark, Selinsgrove, $250; “in memory of George Richie,” by Vivienne, Shannon and Sandra Richie, Northumberland, $50; “in loving memory of Jeffrey Marks,” by Amy and Trevor Britton, Selinsgrove, $50; Michael and Mary Johnston, Elysburg, $50; and John and Melissa Covalseski, Lewisburg, $100.

Also, Dean and Cynthia Paul, Northumberland, $100; “in memory of Charles McCollum,” by Charles and Melanie McCollum, Elysburg, $25; “in memory of Nevin C. Hoover, Doris E. Hoover, Brenda L. Hoover and Mary E. Rightmyer,” by NELALE Farm of Selinsgrove, $30; and “in memory of Nevin C. Hoover, Doris E. Hoover, Brenda L. Hoover and Mary E. Rightmyer,” by Lynn and Jim Clark, Selinsgrove, $20.