Martinsburg statesman-democrat. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1906-1921, 1912-12-13
PLEA FOR SENSIBLE
XMAS Gil GIVING
Good viii to Mem Means More Tran
Exchange Of Gifts. But Rather
Help to the Poor.

Christmas time Is drawing near
The season of Peace on earth. good
will toward mon. This marks the
commemoration of the birth Of our
Lord Jesus Christ. the greatest gift
TO mankind. or win Il be the custo-
mary exchange OF presents one feels
one must make TO keep up with the
times
Public sentiment is being aroused
against inIudicious giving at Christ
mas time A movement Is on foot in
New York. started By Miss Anne Nor
gan and other phllanthropic ladies to
discourage the custom Of excessive
exchange Of presents. giving as their
reason that the working girls can moi
keep up with the demands made up
on them and at this time and be the
women they should be.
What does this excess aife-giving
but rather great desire 10 outdo
each other and giving rise TO envy.
heart aches and an empty purse. the
contents Of which latter have gone to
buy foolish gifts because one must
give TO those from whom they re-
ceise
IN our own town this giving at
Christmas time does not always par
take of the real Christmas spirit
the good viii toward men. The
writer knows Of several cases In
which some very poor families have
laden their children with unnecessary
expensive toys because other children
IN the eighborhoodswere TO receive
likewise and their gifts must not be
Inferior In any way Meanwhile the
coal box IL empty and appeals must he
made to church or friend to help out
In the dilemma.
Who Ia to blame for all this? Those
who have funds az their disposal
should purchase suitable. helpful gifts
and set the example OF true Christ
mas giving TO their less fortunate
nelghhors instead Of rouaing the envy
and desire 20 emulate by inappropri-
ate and expensive gifts.
In the giving to our dear ones can.
not we all remember the little babe
who was born SO many years ago and
In Ills name put aside a certain siin
to be used IN really bringing peace on
earth7 In Martinsburg are several
cases whore the fever has wasted the
families; where mothers are wonder
ing whore the winter clothing, fuel
and food are to come from. knowing
no Christmas joy will be their chii.
dren's lot. VIII you show your good
win toward mon by cooperation with
the workers. at the Stone Home In
making this time OF rejoicing warm.
comfortable and happy time for these
less fortunate than yourselves?
Every effort viii be made BY the
workers 10 bring Christmas cheer TO
these homes. besides giving to the
children who attend the various clubs
and schools at the Home the usual
Christmas entertainment and treat
This means a large amount of money
Is TO be invested in new shoes. cloth
ing. underwear, toys. fruit and candy,
10 say nothing Of coal and wood Who
will take some shares OF stock In this
His enterprise?
All who read the call and care to
have heart IN II may leave their
gifts OF money with Mr. A. D Darby,
cashier OF the Bank Of Martinsburg
For every dollar thus invested the
giyers win receive the greatest Of div
idends--that peace In their hearts
that comes from giving substantial
evidence Of their love for Him and
their good will toward men.
(MRS.J GRACE STONE HETzEL.