New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1905-12-04
ASKS CHRISTMAS HELP.
Hrs. BaIEngton Booth Hutes Of
Needs of the Poor.

To the Editor Of The Tribune.
Sir: We have entered the Christmas month and
in every home thought and plans focus on the glad
holiday season that is coming To those OF us VINO
are in touch with the sad homes and cherries
lives of the poor the longing comes to do some
thing practical TO brighten child faces and hit Inc
burden off weak wonlen's shoulders that 10 them
also the Christ day may mean something joyous
and hopeful.
For several wears I have had the privilege of
speaking through these columns to the public re-
eardng the special work that 1 have undertaken
at this season. Ny labors in the prisons Of our
country have brought in contact with hundreds
CT families where women and chiidren-the limo
cent sufferers-are plunged into poverty through
the fathers imprisonment In cases, by dlnf
Of hard work. the mother may make just enough TO
buy food and pay the rent but little or nothing is
left for clothing, and for Christmas fare and
Santa Claus stockings they are out of the ques-
ton. To just such homes we have been taking the
JOY of Christmas. Our little friends in happier
homes can help US with the gift of toys and dolls.
and in the past these gifts have come to Us most
generously
Last year your readers responded to our appeal
for funds in a way that certainly gladdened our
hearts, and we were able 10 give warm clothing
and food and other help to hundreds of most needy
and worthy families. Our visitation often brings
TO our notice other worthy cases, where. even If
the father is not in prison. through sickness or lack
Of work he has been unable to provide anything
extra for the Christmas season.
May 1 once more ask for help? Donations of
clothing money. or toys will be most gladly re-
ceived They should be addressed to Mrs Balling-
ton Booth. Volunteer Prison Department No. 50
Cooper Square. New-York City. We wish it dis
tincty understood that the Volunteers of America
is a duly incorporated society that our books are
properly audited and that our treasurer will send
receipt for every dollar received. and will hold
vouchers for every dollar extended,
Writing of one visit he paid last Christmas, the
officer who played Santa Clauss partner in the
downtown sum district quotes the following story:
The little girl Of whom speak is twelve years
old gSiag on thiree SG ages 81 rat aide %
younger than herself. As she approaches US with
might be taken for a woman. but the short dress,
which can be seen when she turns. dispels the IL
placing the baby in chair and in a hurried man
admonitions to her charges, she reduces them to a
condition of respectable expectancy Standing IN
a semi-circle, the little ones await yeopments.
Boxes are opened. and in an instant this little
mother" decides who shall have this and who that;
We had brought very beautiful doll for this
little girl, which, when she comes 20 it she looks
on one side that she feels she ought TO have got
beyond the days OF dolls Finally, we ask; And AND
the short dress comes into evidence; the little
mother hestates for moment; she forgets her
GAINS as She hugs it, Oh, love doIi;' as she
puts her treasure among her own little personal
belongings. She returns in a minute The little
mother has come back and all the wants of the
family are hers.
1t is a good thing to think over this little girl,
the upholder OF big family. Some may ask.
Why has this child to give up childhood and al
most to become a slave? We do not know; but it
isn't slavery to her-tis love. Something is left
in an envelope for the mother, who will be home
soon-anyhow, by o'clock. She has to sew for a
living. Their Christmas Eve will be a little late
The little houSekeeper informs that she will
have 10 put the children bed. and then make a
cup of good tea for her mother against the time
she comes home.
In the name of the One whose birth we celebrate
plead for these, His little and. inasmuch as
the thought love. money and gifts, sent in
His name, they will in no wise lose their reward.
MAUD B. BOOTH.
No IS Cooper Square. New-York. Dec. ., 1903