Evening star., 1893-12-09

With more Of misery confronting II than
II or any other local charitable organization
ever saw before the Evening Star santa
Claus Club starts out on Its merciful mis-
sion for the winter Of 1894. Planned
originally to provide seasonable pleasure
for the Juvenile poor II speedily developed
into q broadly philanthropic institution. and
whilst among the good things 1t accumulat-
ed and distributed were a great abundance
of toys IL speedily became evident that the
most acceptable benefactions were clothing
and food and fuel. This Christmas Will
find the necessities multiplied many times.
Where a year ago there was one child
whose hunger was rarely satisfied and to
whom warmth was almost continuously
stranger there now are ten. The country
has experienced business depression such
rs has not previously been known to the
present generation and as there is no ap-
pearance of immediate Industrial relief
there cannot but be a steady pressure OF
poverty All the world recognizes the
Christmas season as the time for merri-
ment and despite the long-drawn stringency
there will be much rejoicing. but 1t will be
less conspicuous and less hearty than in re-
cent times. To shut the specter of imme-
date want out of many threatened homes
u the self-imposed and joy-inducing task Of
the Evening Star Santa Claus Club. year
ago more tnan twenty thousand boys and
girls-principally school children-became
members Of the club and by the aggregation
OF their small membership fees and the ex-
ample they set their elders did a vast
amount Of real good. They relieved suf-
fering. and by actively interesting them
selves in reporting cases Of need they cul-
tivated the Christmas spirit of generous and
intelligent giving. Now the club will stand
face to face with an undertaking that over
tops any 1t has yet had to deal with and
tnat there may be no possible question as
TO success there should be larger member
ship. an access of enthusiasm, and more
support from those who have been called
children of larger growth" There is no
obstacle In the way of the older folks who
want to assist; they are to be cordially
welcomed, and 1t is hoped by those who
have the best interests of the city's poor at
heart that the attractive but not obtrusive
club badges will be worn by thousands of
men and women who desire their gifts to
reach deserving people. All of the informa-
ton collected by existing charitable organi-
zations will be available to prevent the
wasting of funds by duplication Of chari-
ties or by aiding the unworthy, and every
effort will be made to do the greatest good
to the greatest number. Subscriptions to
the club fund will be received at The Star
ONCE and properly credited. But school
children's membership subscriptions must
be made through the teachers. Within
few days an ample supply of badges will be
ready for distribution to those who want to
become club members and then will COM
mence the work of seeking out and report
ing upon the very many cases now hidden
away in homes that heretofore have been
bright and happy and in alleys where squal-
or Is always the most prominent feature. A
far from unimportant branch of the work
will be that which seeks to increase the
membership-every dime means just so
much more toward relieving bodily anguish.
The little ones can be depended upon to do
their utmost and 1t is hoped that their Sc
niors will give practical countenance to
their endeavors Blessed Is he that consid-
ereth the poor"