Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1897-12-25
CHRISTMAS : CHARITIES
Small Boys Get Gifts of Warm Overcoats
From Sah &Oo.
Scenes and Incidents ID the Distrib
uon - RELIEF by the Associated
Charities, Police snd Others,

"Geeminy"
inere was world OF juvenile ecstasy and
enthusiasm in the exclamation. The Inns
that uttered 1t had not been framing words
oi any sort very long, but the owner was
from that class where the vernacular is de-
Iehoed On Tor the expression of sudden
sentiment whether juvenile or otherwise
IL the little tot had stubbed the toe that
was peeDing out of his broken shoe he
would have undoubtedly exclaimed, "Dern
it"
II was an occasion of supreme satisfac-
tlon Tor him, however, because he had Just
peen bundled up in bran new overcoat
that reached to his heels, and when the
collar was turned up, went over his head
AS ne emitted the ejaculation above noted
cts. smiled broad, thankful smile al the
group OF clerks and visitors gathered on
me ground floor of Saks 4 Co.'S big estab-
ilshment, and marched out the Pennsyl-
wanna avenue door. He had come in one of
the 'tf street entrances a few moments be-
fore with teeth chattering and a shiverfng
mana holding out printed card. and was
the advance representative of the regiment
Oh small boys who were to follow him.
An Annual Custom.
Inc card was one of the hundred furnish
ed by Saks & Co. to the police force for dis
tribution to needy boys, and emitting the
holder In whose name 1t was made out to a
warm new overcoat. This annual custom
of Saks & Co. is productive of touching
scenes, and the early morning Christmas
hours at the store are sweetened with sub
stantial charity that is lasting to its re-
cipients.
This morning Mr.. Isadcr Saks, Mr.
George A. Lewis, Mr.. Harry Kronheimer
and half dozen of the good-hearted clerks
40 mo ..lI y, ir,ay
all sizes and all colors of little boys in
oVercoats and REFERS. Many of the lads
were accompanied by their mothers or
fathers, because they were too diminutiye
TO come by themselves, but one and all
were children of the poorest of the poor
and were just tickled to death when they
were buttoned up in the welcome garments
and they evidently didn't care any longer
whether the air was cold outside or not.
The Last nnd Most Needy.
When all the coats had been distributed
rafting was heard at the 18th street door,
and, upon Mr.. 'kronheimer opening it, an
abject specimen of juvenile want looked
appealingiy in. He was Wakely Spencer,
who said he lived in the alley back of o
street. His stockings We're in tatters, like
his clothes; his shoes consisted mainly of
uppers and heels. He had no card, but he
wanted an overcoat. Mr. Isador Saks' eyes
swan with suspicious moisture. This
looked at the group. Then Wakely was
taken in hand and given an overcoat AMI
a pair of shoes and stockings and gloves
and new hat. AS he went out his little
sister, who had been awaiting him, SILVER
ing ill the cold. caught Mr.. Saks eye She
vas as worthy an object her brother,
SO she was invited inside and given a warm
thick cloak. 1t was a fitting finale to u
morning of good work
The Associated Charities, through its
agents, are busy distributing to the worthy
ard deserving poor clothing. food, toys and
money contributed by the Normal School
students and the children in their practice
schools turned over by Mrs. Myers, prn-
ctpal of the Normal School. The school
children of the first division also made con-
tributions at their respective buildings. and
these We're turned over to the Associated
Charities by Supervising Principal Clark
for distribution.
The police have been kept busy oil day
giving relief to needy persons. and the char
ity dispensed in this way has assured
Christmas dinners to many who would
have otherwise gone without. The Asso-
ciated Charities kept up the good work 1t
has been doing right along. and made the
day bright in scores of humble homes.
The Central Union Mission Christmas din
ner today is being enjoyed by scores of
cold and hungry wanderers.