MIFFLINBURG — Health problems and layoffs have turned Florine Beachel’s life upside down.

The married mother of four, including three grown children and a 6-year-old niece she and her husband have raised from infancy, said her family has been struggling financially for more than a year.

It started when her husband lost his job when Pennsylvania House in Lewisburg closed three years ago.

“I turned pretty ill and my husband took a pay cut (with a new job) after Pennsylvania House closed,” Mrs. Beachel said.

They were both employed and doing well six years ago when they got custody of Mrs. Beachel’s 8-month-old niece.

She said they’ve raised the child as their own and want to make the relationship formal, but can’t afford the adoption costs right now.

Mrs. Beachel is on several medications for a variety of ailments, including heart, thyroid and gall bladder problems, as well as depression, and hasn’t been able to work at her job driving bus for more than a year.

A car accident in August severely damaged the family vehicle, but all escaped without serious injury.

“We have no insurance. We’re living day by day,” she said.

The Beachels applied to the Needy Family Fund to help brighten the holiday.

“They were a godsend last year,” Mrs. Beachel said.

The Needy Family Fund has exceeded its $75,000 goal and now has a balance of $78,114. The Degenstein Foundation has pledged a challenge $25,000 grant if the fund exceeded its goal.

Recent donors include: LaFayette Chapter No. 222 Order of Eastern Star, Selinsgrove, $100; Delores Moyer, Middleburg, $25; Malone Electric, $100; Kelly Apartment-seniors, Lewisburg, $25;

“in memory of John B. Mertz” $700; St. Matthews Lutheran Church, $125; Apfelbaum Realty, Sunbury, $100; Benjamin and Sharon Witmer, Sunbury, $30.

Robert Bloom, Selinsgrove, $200; Robert Jones, Milton, $100; Delroy and Sandra Strohecker, Herndon, $50; faculty and staff of Selinsgrove Middle School along with administrative office staff “Dress Down Days,” $63; Quality Kleen, Shamokin, $100; Ruth Klinger, Herndon, $50; Robert and Patricia Sheatler, Milton, $25; Clarence and Saiya Baker, Turbotville, $30; Ladies Auxiliary, P.P.O.E. No 267, Sunbury, $100; Harold Smith, Mifflinburg, $25; Chris Shirk, Winfield, $100; Klinesgrove United Methodist Church Women, Sunbury, $25; Lillian Reagen, Northumberland, $50; Smith family descendants “in memory of James and Amelia”, $25;