Newark evening star and Newark advertiser. [volume] (Newark, N.J.) 1909-1916, 1912-12-24
IS SANTA HELPERS
BRING LUCK TO 300
Supt. Mccall and Aides, OF
School Attendance Dept,
Make Riddles Happy.
ONE BOY ORATOR IN THIN
ATTIRE MOVES TO TEARS
Thanks City Hall Kris kringIe
for Not Going Without
Gifts.

Covered with snow as II they really
did just arrive from the North Pole
as helpers of old Santa, and their
arms filled with big bundles, the
thirteen officers of the attendance de-
partment of the Board of Education
arrived at the City Hall this morn
ing.
There was nothing unlucky in that
number thirteen for eight hundred
worthy Riddles of the city, for when
the bundles were opened everything
that ever was written on a letter
mailed in the good old chimney were
exposed to view.
Trip after trip was made by the
thirteen to the secretly located work.
shops of Santa until at noon the
rooms adjoining the office of Super
visor Charles Mccall, of the attend
ance department, resembled the toy
department of the big stores. Tables
were loaded down with owe two
thousand tiny merry-go-rounds. ami
mails. games, blocks, dolls and the
great variety that makes glad the
heart of the young.
Chuckling like Santa does himself,
Mr.. Mccall directed the arrangement
of the gifts. All were purchased out
Of his salary and the salaries of his
assistant men and women Then
came wooden wheelbarrows and carts
and baby carriages with rag dolls at
tired in their very best, the contribu-
ton of the boys and girls of the
manual training departments of the
schools, and next, Jim" Jenkinson,
assistant to Superintendent of Com
bustibles C. Albert Gasser, came in
with his bag Of games. Jim" and
Captain Gasser save and collect to-
bacco coupons the year round and
cash them in for McCalrs little ones.
Almost everyone in the City Hall
dropped in to congratulate the at
tendant forces on their good work,
and ordinations of "ah" came from
the women employees as they ad-
mired the beautifully colored play
things.
A knock at the outer corridor inter-
rupted the merry laughter and ex-
change of wit. Mr.. Mccall opened the
door and three little fellows. none too
warmly clothed, greeted him:
MERRY Christmas, Mr., Mccall
shouted the little spokesman for the
trio. Mama was afraid there was
going to be a blizzard and wan/ed
us to have toys. You see we wouldn't
have any If we didn't get them from
YOU
Although the distribution was not
to begin the three tots were allowed
to enter and. make their selection.
Each got what he wanted, and shout
ing with glee left.
Many tear-dimmed yes were no
ticed among the ~lookers-on. The
speech of the boy was a tribute to
the good done by the department Of
ficers, for every one of the children
who will receive presents is poor. The
are listed during the year, be-
ing gathered by the officers in their
school work.
1.-THE Christmas of you folks should
be the merriest of any in the city,"
said one man. II envy you. Mr.. Nc
Call, in having the opportunity TO
fill the stockings of SO many kids
which would otherwise so empty"
Mr.. Mccall went back into his office
and found a big box on his desk.
Santa had called during his ebsence
and showed his appreciation. The box
contained a silver and cut glass high
ball set, and three bottles filled with
cheer were in their silvered places,
too. The handsome gift was from his
subordinates.
Expressing surprise and thanking
his helpers. who gathered around, the
superintendent said:
well it's up to me to get busy,
The Office force were about to retire
when Mr.. Mccall stopped over, opened
a couple of suit cases and produced
individual presents. He thought of
surprising those who had made sacri-
fees to help the poor and thus retail
ated with the show of Christmas
spirit.
The officers and clerks who bought
the ehildren's things and distributed
them were: Miss Amanda Haffner,
Miss Anna SPAIN, Miss Alice Low
Miss Eleanor Lentz, Miss Eliza
beth Becker. Miss Minnie Knick-
meyer, Miss Lillian Collin and Harry
Marks, William Tuite, Samuel Ull-
Gustav Frommelt, John O'Toole,
Eugene Sheridan. John Hartford and
Dominic Accocello.