Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1906-04-18
G. G. knoble
Writes of Work of
Children'S Home and
Aid Society.

| A farmer with a larger heart than
purse was moved by an appeal in be-
half of homeless and neglected chill
dren. While considering the needs of
the good cause and his necessary limi-
| tatiOn in giving-for ready money is
not always a large asset with the or
binary farmer-there came the happy
thought of setting apart one acre to be
cultivated for this especial object He
talked with his family about it and the
plan received unanimous and enthu-
siaStic endorsement
And the result? AS a matter of
course good selection had been made
and nothing necessary 10 the success
| of the project was neglected. The
probable outcome proved a frequent
and delightful theme of conversation
| in the family circle. Sunshine and
rain seemed to favor the enterprise:
the blessing of Heaven rested visibly
upon it; the yield was excellent, the
prices fair; and $50 was sent TO the
support of the good cause.
Many columns have been printed in
the interest of farm homes for boys,
while the necessary expenses have
been secured mainly from cities and
villages. Hundreds of our cOntribu-
tors do not own the roof over their
own heads. and yet they find so much
joy in giving toward the rescue and
support of homeless children that they
would feel offended if the society's rep
resentative should pass them by in his
annual rounds. Our representatives
travel over large districts, hurrying
from city to city, and from village to
village, and can reach comparatively
few farmers. If we could reach the
country people as easily as the towns
people, not only our financial problem,
but also the great problem of family
homes for our many boys would be
easily solved Some of our efforts
among the farmers have been unusual
ly successful.
Anyone may become a life member
of our society, by contribution of $25
in a single payment. or So per year for
5 years. A certificate. suitable for
framing, is sent the donor. In one of
our little cities, several ladies had an
honorable ambition to be thus con-
nected with this great work, and they
earned the money with their needles.
Where there is will there is also
way.
Now, will our farmer friends and
their wives kindly consider themselves
personally called upon by this appeal?
With two building projects on its
hands this year, one at Du QuOin to
replace the old home which was de-
stroyed by fire, and another at Chicago
TO replace the inadequate Englewood
nursery, the Illinois Children's Home
and Aid society needs large additional
support. Such as are glad to act upon
these suggestions should report at
once to the superintendent, Rev. H. II.
Hart, LII. D.. 70 Dearborn street, Chi
cago, that they have set apart one or
more acres for this purpose. and the
undersigned will be glad to send them
interesting literature in the hope that
they may enlist some of their neigh
bors and other friends. The proceeds
of the children's acre and other dOna-
tons will be applied toward the build
ing of the new homes at Chicago or
Du Quoin, or to the support of the
old ones at Rantoul and Shelbyville, as
each donor may prefer. If no prefer
ence is expressed, the donations will
flow into the general treasury.
For eight years past this society has
cared for over 400 homeless, neglect
ed and dependent children each year,
and last year the number was more
than 500, besides looking after nearly