Nov. 24--Amid a turbulent global economy, some Cape Cod residents forgo basic needs when the bills are already more than they can afford.

A 68-year-old Yarmouth woman contacted the Needy Fund when she needed help getting new eyeglasses.

Her doctor discovered the beginnings of cataracts in both her eyes, but she neglected to get a new prescription because she could not afford the lenses. As time went on without the glasses, she suffered daily headaches from eye strain.

The Needy Fund put the woman in contact with the Lions Club for assistance with the lenses. When she found out that her insurance would not cover all the costs from her eye exam, the Needy Fund paid the difference.

"Your patience and understanding made a difficult request so much easier," the woman wrote to the Needy Fund.

There are many human service agencies offering assistance to those in need, but it is the Needy Fund that provides help for a host of immediate, short-term emergencies.

Since 1936, the Needy Fund has been helping Cape and Islands residents by giving out money raised through donations to pay for food, rent, mortgage payments, utility and heating bills, medical costs and other basic expenses.

The mission of the Cape Cod Times Needy Fund Inc. is to provide urgent financial assistance for basic human needs to individuals and families living on Cape Cod, Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket who are experiencing temporary financial hardships.

No cash is given to Needy Fund recipients; instead, the agency pays vendors through a voucher program.

Anyone wishing to donate may send checks payable to the Cape Cod Times Needy Fund, P.O. Box 36, Hyannis, MA 02601, or bring contributions to the Times Offices at 319 Main St. in Hyannis.

Donations can also be made at www.needyfund.org.

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