The Washington herald., 1907-12-26
SAKS IS SANTA CLAUS AGAIN
Famous Store Gives Away Over
coats, Shoes, and Hats.
Beneficence OF Firm Does Not Stou
at Accurate Count of 100
Promised Gifts.

Saks & Company have played the roIe
OF Santa Claus in Washington for o.
many years that there is little novel IN
the annual custom at their store. al sev.
enth street and the Avenue. of giving
away 100 overcoats and uncounted shoes
suits. hats, and other parts Of bo,,,s
wardrobe TO the poor boys of the CITY
Ihis useful and altogether. sensible way
or observing Christmas was repeated ves-
terday morning at the great clothing
store, and whatever the personal engage
ments Of the employees Of the establish
ment. from the local member. Of the firm
down to the janitor, they were all at the
store TO assist in making MANY bovs
happy with their warm and useful Christ
mas gifts.
Inc announcement had gone forth YES
terday morning that Saks & Companv
would give away 100 overcoats TO as many
needy boys whose circumstances in life
would not allow Of their being supplied
by other means. Accordingly. when the
doors Of the store opened the waiting
throng was allowed TO enter. one at q
time. and pass under the inspection of
the proprietor and his manager. While
the limit of giving was placed at 100. the
oenehcence Of this firm did not stop with
the accurate count, and more than 100
We're the recipients Of the generosity Of
tho company
commissioner Macfarland and Judge De
Lacy of the Juvenile Court, had their
hearts warmed by the sight OF the bovs
entering pincheo, ragged. and cold. and
gong out well and warmly clad. smiling
and happy Both were effusive in their
expressions Of the practical and generous
utliity OF this form of charity, and both
declared they had not experienced as
much pleasure in many a dav as thew
had enjoyed during the hour or more
that they beheld this practical working Of
the celebration Of Christmas as instituted
and followed by the Saks company in
Washington
Joseph /. Saks, the local member of the
hrm' which has its connections In New
york and Indianapolis, directed the exer-
cfses or this peculiar and fitting celebra-
ton OF Christmas. Isaac Cans. manager
OF the store, was his able chief of stan.
Samuel Splitter, manager OF the clothing
department, was also on hand TO give
proper direction TO the festivities. George
;. Daniels. manager Of the shoe depart
ment. ably seconded the efforts of his
superiors. Bruce Willis. manager OF the
hat department, had a fit for every head.
and assisting these were the working
forces of the departments. whose expert
ence was brought into play in fitting out
the waits of the town
One feature OF the occasion was truly
characteristic Of the Initiative and fore
thought Of the ordinary American boy.
The docrkeeper. to whom was allotted the
task of letting the little fellows out Of the
store. had provided a box of candy cut of
his own earnings, Il was said. and as
each CT the happy boys went out, clothed
and warm, he was given generous hand
ful of candy to line the inside of the new
overcoat pocket.
With some of the boys came the moth
ers, TO guide and look after their little
ones. Their wan faces cleaned the
thanks their lips could but feebly express
as they saw the transformation wrought
in the great clothing store Not a few
went out with quivering lips and falling
tears as the full meaning OF the generous
gifts was brought home to them.