The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1893-12-18
WEST INDIANAPOLISS POOR.
Efforts Being Made by Church People to
Relieve the Needy.

The citizens of West Indianapolis have
been aiding the needy of that suburb in
quiet way, and no reports of any general
relief have become public until within the
last few days. The members Of the Trim
ity NJ. E. Church, on Division street, have
long established themselves as benevolent
workers Of West Indianapolis. and during
these pressing times many families have
been aided. and in many cases have been
supported altogether by this church. A
few days ago the committee of the church
was informed that family composed Of
widow and five children was in great desti-
tuition. Without an effort of investigation,
the warm-hearted committee solicited in
charity's name. and finally appeared at the
destitute residence with two large baskets
heaping full OF staple groceries and meats.
The committee. OIL first noticing the house,
thought that they must be in the wrong
place, as appearances on the outside indi-
Gated plenty within. Nor were they mis-
taken. for on entering the house a hasty
glance revealed piano, choice furniture,
Brussels carpets and other exceedingly lux
uriant furnishings, strange articles to be
found in destitute home. A few moments
questioning revealed that the family con-
sisted OF a widowed mother, three grown
daughters and two sons, one of whom was
Of age The widow in explanation, said
that her son had recently got out of work,
and that her daughters could not spare
enough out of their wages TO help the fam
lily in any great measure. The committee
did not ask why the unnecessary furnt-
ture could not have been sold for some
thing, but they wondered just the same.
Without any reply Of you are welcome"
10 the Widows many thank yous," the
committee removed the charity from their
baskets and quietly departed
Three other cases have come to the COM
mittee's notice. A family on Belt street
was found in great need, but their wants
were soon remedied. Another case is that
OF family which has been carried through
the last four years. The man of the house
is sickly and is unable TO work during cold
weather. and through the warm days bare
" earned enough to keep his family for
the passing time. family on Osgood
street was in very great need of food, as
the son and only wage-earner OF the family
had been out OF employment for over two
months and was unable to get any work.
The committee heard of the familys need,
and in this case called in a body for
proof. which was very evident in the wan
face of the mother. The committee had
just male preparations to depart, when
quick steps were heard on the front walk.
the door was Suddenly opened and the son
burst into the room with the joyful cry
that he had found work. The mother and
son had a crying scene right on the spot.
though it was a happy. one. BY this time
the tears in the eyes OF the committee be-
gan to appear, and they quietly but hur-
riedly left the house. In few minutes
they were returning laden with provisions
and were admitted 10 the house just as the
tears were being dried. Some few minutes
later they were seen leaving the house with
empty hands.