Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1906-11-25
AID GIVEN THE NEEDY
REPORT COVERING WORK By
THE ASSOCIATED CHARITIES.

Seventy thousand visits made to needy
families by agents and volunteers during
the past year is one OF the statements In
report just issued by the Associated
Charities. Four hundred unpaid workers
assisted the eight agents Of the association
in making these visits. The report saws
that encouragement in times of despair,
suggestions of possible employment, new
ideals for improved home life ana the
'heartening assurance that somebody
cares all result from bringing resourceful
visitors into personal touch with needy
families In their homes" The report covers
the year ended July II. 1906.
Twelve thousand dollars, savings collect
ed from poor people, was one of the results
of the 10000 visits. Throughout spring and
summer the workers call every week upon
all the families who required relief the
previous winter. Small savings In pennies.
nickels. dimes and quarters are collected
on the stamp savings system" from
winch depositors may draw their money
at any time. Through this method many
families which would otherwise save moth
Ing are led to lay aside enough money to
puy Tor themselves the groceries or fuel
funds.
Number Of Applications.
Altogether 11,O07 applications were re-
ceived by the Associated Charities last
year. OF that total 62Oe applications were
from needy families. On behalf of needy
families 4.799 applications were made by
churches. nurses. schools, police, charities
and various individuals
Almost one-twentieth Of the population Of
Washington received charitable treatment
last year through the association. The
total number of families dealt with was
4,o17, including 14.S24 individuals. The re-
port suggests that inasmuch as nearly &
per cent OF the entire population is af-
iected, unwise charity might do infinite
harm. Instead, according to the report
the Associated Charities studies every
case carefully, refuses unnecessary relief,
prevents pauperism and actually reduces
the yearly disbursements Of food and fuel
by developing the ambitions and opportun-
tiles for self-help."
OF 1877 families dealt with only 1850 re-
CURED gifts OF food, fuel and clothing The
aid was drawn from the following sources:
Citizens Relief Association, 1880 times:
golden book fund, 22S times; private fndi-
viduals. Sl5 times; churches, school dona-
Ing Ass times that relief was administered
to 1,05O distressed households.
Obtaining Of Employment.
Other items mentioned include the OBJ
tanning of employment in 62e Instances;
FNS'tAo SAoehAS AoA <oO CillluTou TO eudDle
them to attend school and reporting 179
children to proper authorities, after investi-
CATION. as lacking proper care Special
help for the sick was enlisted in nearly 500
instances; 261 people were sent to institu-
tons or charitable organizations Trans
portation to friends or work in other cities
was provided for So dependents, and cor
regional or legal aid was administered to
127. For the free medical dispensaries of
the city 1910 applicants were investigated.
Special holiday benevolences, including
Thanksgiving dinners and Christmas gifts,
were recommended or given to 7O4 families.
and mothers were selected. There were
992 widows and 2S6 deserted wives in
Guided among the families dealt with.
The report closes with the statement that
less than $4,000