Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1893-11-25
THANKSGIVING FOR THE POOR
A Distribution of Food and Clothing by
the Central Union Mission. I,

Every Thanksgiving day for nine wears
past the Central Union Mission has either
given dinner to the poor of the city In
some large hall or distributed provisions
and clothing and fuel to them at their own
homes. The latter method has been proved
by experience to be the most economical
and effective.
While there has been a need for cha rity
every year. ii is stated that never before
since the organization of the mission has
there been SO many urgent calls and de-
mahds as this year, giving evidence of the
greater need than ever before for a gener-
Gus remembrance of the poor in our midst.
Many OF those reported in dire need are
SOBER and Industrious, but unable to secure
employment Many others are too aged or
Ill to work. For the temporary relief of
this class and to make Thanksgiving dsv
one of gladness to many who otherwise
would be filled with sorrow because of the
absence of the most common necessities
the Central Union Will send out provisions
and clothing to at least 500 families The
board of directors call upon all who are in
sympathy with the movement to respond 70
the calls of those who are authorized IN
solicit funds and provisions, or to send the
same to the mission, 622 Louisiana avenue
Ehthusfasm In the Work.
TO give an idea of the extent of this dis
tribution, the amount of labor involved ana
the thoroughness with which the work is
done. the following is quoted from the Mis-
sion Bulletin just issued:
Ihe preparations for this great annual
outpouring for the poor are going forwar nd
enthusiastically. Nearly 300 men and
women, the cream of the city. are gather.
ing the resources. Money, food, clothing.
medicine. fuel and little luxuries for The
sick are being collected from thousan5s %,
homes preparatory to the general distrihn.
uon- 1t is a magnificent spectacIeLthe
spontaneous uprising of the rich and well.
TOGO In behalf of the poor and needy.
While some are hunting for things 70 ,,,I+a
others are selecting the beneficiaries Re
SIDES the army of superintendent commit
tees and workers from the mission and as
branches. all of whom will bring in lists ot
names, four persons are kept constantly
employed IN investigating the cases tina,
are reported for assistance so as 70 him,
out the very most needy and prevent i'm.
posture A hundred bushels of potatoes
100 pounds of tea, go pounds of coffee, 25C
pounds OF butter, 500 pounds of sugar with
bread, hominy, beans, onions fruit and
meat-these are among the orders already
given. The purchasing committee is on the
alert to get good qualities of each article al
the lowest wholesale rates. Some good bar
gains have been made. The first orders are
given on basis of feeding 800 families T,
the contributions warrant more the orders
will all be increased"
Letters tG the Needy.
A letter will accompany every basket
sent out to a poor family, saying:
PLEASE accept this basket of food as a
present from the good Christian people OF
this city, given in the name of Jesus Christ
1t is a small gift, but 500 others are sent
out at the same time. and altogether they
will cost $1,000, more or less We sympa.
thize with your hard struggle We know
the bitterness of the fight for daily bread
We love the fathers and mothers and chill
dren where these gifts are sent BE not
discouraged. Some day you will see better
circumstances IL you are true to God"
a circular letter has been sent to the
pastors of the city by the board of direct
ors setting forth briefly the plan for MAX
ing a distribution of food and clothing to
the poor of the city on Thank sgiving day
and asking them to make the necessar y
announcements from their pulpits.
The Tags.
The provisions are sent out in large bas-
kets with a tag attached containing the
following:
Seek We first the Kingdom of God and
his righteousness and all these things shall
be added unto you.-Matthew, vi: 33.
The inclosed is the gift of the Central
Union Mission, 622 Louisiana avenue.
Recommended by. Number in family.
The Star will gladly receive and acknowl-
edge donations of money for this object.
The weekly statement of the Bank of
France shows an increase OF i.GD0OOO