New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1908-12-06
PRISON LEAGUE SEEKS ASSISTANCE
Asks Help to Brighten Homes Of the Un-
fortunate at Christmas Time.
Editor OF The Tribune.

To the Editor OF The Tribune
Sir; Year after year your readers have shown
kind. sympathetic and practical interest in my
Christmas work. through which the Volunteer
Prison League seeks TO help the many little chill
dren and Borrowing women whose homes have
been Swallowed by the fathers Imprisonment.
As We again enter the Christmas month and see
on every hand the preparations for this joyous
home fesvity the bitter contrast in these desolate
homes is wildly forced upon US. and we long TO
show the need to others, that they out OF their
gladness and plenty may send the message OF
Christmas good will to these suffering
In our work within the prisons find that one
4 the bitterest thoughts to the in his cell
this season that to his dear ones. through his
wrongdoing misfortune. will come sad and
cherries Christmas.
II has been our joyous privilege for many years
TO play Santa Claus's partner these homes. thus
lifting the burden from many q prisoners heart
and bringing encouragement and cheer 70 the
home where the mother had been trying to eI-
plain 10 the poor little child hearts that there
could he no Christmas because papa was away.
We have more names books this year
than ever. and after panic find the dire need
and poverty most overwhelming In one home the
poor mother a victim Of consumption, too weak
TO do any steady work. There are three children;
the eldest, six and a half. is the housekeeper.
doing the work and caring for her mother and
the babies Another woman we found crippled. and
her little siri possessed but one Each night
the mother would have her chair moved 70 the
washtubs and wash out the poor little garment so
that her little might go clean and respectable
school. In such homes these help comes as
z veriteble benediction.
Our plan not TO give families big Christ
mas dinner. but take good cheer into the home
and TO practically aid them in way that will lift
the burden and last long after the Christmas sea-
son is over. We give warm coats and dresses,
shoes and stockings to the little ones serviceable
clothing To the mothers. and able TO add dolls
toys, books and then the groceries and chickens for
the Christmas cheer
Our little friends in happier homes can help US
with gifts Of toys dolls and clothing. and am glad
to say that in the past these gifts have come most
generously. Last year your readers responded TO
our appeal for funds in way that enabled US TO
give wonderful Christmas TO many child who
had given up Santa Claus dead and gone SO FAR
II concerned.
Donations of money. clothing or toys VIII be
gladly received. and should be addressed TO Mrs
Darlington Booth. Volunteers Of America, No. 81
West 2Sth street. New York City. We wish il dis
tircrlZ understood that the Volunteers of America
IS duly incorporated society, that our books are
audited and that our treasurer will send receipt
for every dollar received and viii hold vouchers for
every dollar expended.
In the name OF the dear Christ OF Bethlehem, l
plead for these His little ones that the dwellers
in happier homes may help 10 light the star OF
hone in their darkened sky and that through the
sweet uinistering OF loving charity they may hear
the angels song Peace on earth and good will
70 men" MAUD B. BOOTH.
New York Dec l. 1908