Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1909-12-13


leave one of those little donkeys that
shakes his head" eagerly inquired the
smallest of the three, as they walked
away
The mother choked a sob, and smil-
ing through the tears, replied, Yes,
darling, it would be nice"
But mamma" chirped in the Oldest
one. trying to be brave. I'VE can come
up next Saturday and see the toys
again. can't we?"
Women Santa Clauses, Too.
Mrs. Marion, whose letter is given
above, broke the ice for the women.
who hesitated, naturally. in assuming
the role of Santa Claus, since the be-
whiskered friend of the children is OF
the opposite sex. However, during the
day several other good women Of the
city were heard from in communica-
tions similar to that of Mrs. Marion,
each proffering funds to aid in the
diffusing of cheer among the poor lit
tie ones of the city. A number Of
business and professional men have
forwarded their personal checks, with
the result that the fund is already as
as heretofore outlined, is for those de
string to join in the movement to fill
out the blank appearing in The Argus,
mailing 1t to this Office, and indicating
in the coupon the number of children
for whom gifts will be bought. The
Argus in turn will deliver the filled
coupon to the committee OF charity
workers who are to supply the names
of the deserving children. The COM
mittee will thereupon mail the names
and addresses of as many children as
the signer of the coupon states he or
she is willing to play Santa Claus to.
Committee VIII Buy Gifts.
Where there's a contribution of money
to The Argus Santa Claus fund, and
there have been a number of these
received, and wherein the donor wish
es to be relieved Of the further for
malities of buying the presents and
delivering them, the money is handed
to the committee, together with the
name Of the donor, and the committee
will use its own discretion in select
ing the children who are to be made
happy by the contribution.
The Argus has asked Miss Dina
Rasnser. secretary of the Associated
Charities; Miss Giles, the representa-
tive of the Visiting Nurse association;
George @. Wenger and DR.. J. w. Stew
srt to take charge of the funds, and
to furnish the names of the little ores,
many Of whom are probably to have
their first real glimpse OF Santa Claus
through the generosity of the people
who are responding to the appeal of
The Argus in behalf of the children of
the poor families OF the city.
For Gifts Only.
The movement is to be known as The
Argus Santa Claus fund. The money lis to
be employed exclusively forthe children,
in purchasing for them those little
gifts that bring JOY to the heart Of
childhood at the Christmas season.
Candy and fruit will be included. The
work of furnishing fuel, food and
clothing to the poor families of the
city is and has been looked after for
years by the Associated Charities and
kindred organizations here. The Argus
fund is distinctly for the children.
A "GIving Christmas.
At meeting of the teachers and Of
fcers Of the Sunday school of Broad
way Presbyterian church yesterday
morning, it was decided that this
Christmas would again be a Giving
Christmas" Last year the pupils and
teachers made the hearts of many Of
the poorer children in the city happy
with useful gifts. Several baskets CT
food were made up and given to the
Associated Charities for distribution
and food and fuel were distributed 20
the needy through other charitable 50
cieties. The matter as to what shall
be given this year was left for the
teachers to decide. The exercises will
be held Thursday evening before
Christmas and tn gifts will be present
ed then for distribution. The exercises
this year will be simple. Each depart
ment has been asked to sing a song
and have recitation.