The writers' strike has affected a lot of people besides the writers and the studios. And after three months the Screen Actors Guild Foundation, created to help actors in need, is running out of funds.

Unfortunately, Marcia Smith, executive director of the Screen Actors Guild Foundation, said the organization's ability to help actors like (Brenda) Ricci is in danger. "If this [rate of giving] continues for even another two weeks, we will have really made a huge dent in our budget," said Smith. "If we use up all of our money by February, then we're in trouble."

And in a few months, if the new WGA contract isn't to the actors' liking, they may be going on strike when their contract runs out in June. I know a lot of you have donated to the various writers' funds, and good on you for doing so. I don't think any of our BDHs are hurting, but all of them can speak about lean times and the unknown actors from shows we have yet to obsess over may be out there somewhere…

Smith encouraged those who can afford to do so to donate to the SAG Foundation. One hundred percent of donations go to members in need, with no money going to administration costs. Unless the strike ends soon or some major A-list celebrity donors step in, the Foundation will be hard-pressed to continue helping actors. "It's a difficult time," she said.

To make a donation or inquire about assistance, contact the SAG Foundation at (323) 549-6708, or visit www.sagfoundation.org. The Actors Fund can be contacted at (323) 933-9244, ext. 55, or online at http://www.actorsfund.org/