The Portland daily press., 1891-06-12
THE FRESH AIR FUND.
How a Little Money VIII no Great
Good

The most important aim of the Fresh Air
Society is to improve the condition physic-
ally OF sick and needy children. also adults
or any one needing rest and recreation. The
names OF all applicants desiring the benefits
OF the society are submitted to the decision
OF an investigation committee. This efficient
committee is composed of ladies well known
In public work, some of them being the
wives OF prominent physicians, and through
them aid is extended to many who could not
otherwise be reached. The special and priv
ate cases are handled with the greatest de-
licacy and care, and the quiet blessing of the
charity coming unsought is gratefully ac-
cepted and the needed change of "pure air
and wholesome food" Is thus received with
accompanying results. Instructions are also
given by this committee that children sent
out must be clean and in suitable condi-
ton to be received into a country home. To
those unacquainted with the work 1t must
be apparent that the task of this committee
Is by no means an easy one. After the deci-
sion of the investigating committee the pro
curing of suitable places for the children
devolves upon another committee, who care
fully select from list of places previously
investigated the homes best suited to the
special cases requiring special places. In
this branch of the work the success of the
Fresh Air Society is due largely to the gener-
Gus hospitality of its country friends, who
so kindly open their homes to receive the
little wallis. This service is cheerfully given
during the busiest season of the year, and as
yet the friends show no sign of being weary
in well doing. Already, letters Of invitation
have been received for children to repeat the
visit of last season. The enlargement of the
work for adults also opens a broad field of
labor. While many cities can boast of their
cottages by the sea and country homes for
the tired mothers. the bread winners of large
families, the .overworked seamstresses, and
others confined in stores, the Fresh Air So
ciety of Portland provides that the vacation
for this class shall be made as enjoyable in
every point as possible. Reports from sew
eral physicians give abundant proof of the
successful results of the work of the society
In this direction. After the above mentioned
arrangements are completed, the transporta-
ton committee accept the arduous labor of
providing and arranging all deta of travel;
stage or railroad routes are marked out and
the members Of the committee take the
children safely to their country homes
Parties of ten or more are often sent at
time and 1t is no small matter to arrange for
such an excursion. In the four years work
not an accident has happened to any child,
thus showing how faithfully the committee
have executed the charge committed to them.
Daily excursions have also become marked
feature In the society's work, trip to the
islands or ride to the mountain notch, thus
affording brief respite from the cares of
life to those unable to leave home for a
longer time. Rides are also pro ided for
invalids and it is the aim and wish of the
society to give to all who need the help a
share of the benefits. Any money contri-
buted Is thankfully received.
A committee will be In attendance at the
Y. M. G. A. rooms every Thursday morning
at 10 O'Clock. and all persons desiring inform
alton or help are kindly urged to present
their cases to the committee