Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1912-07-10
Saving Life in Summer.

Who has spare dollar to spend
as an investment in human health? Who
is willing to give a little of his surplus
10 insure a baby's life? The way is open
for such an investment, for such an act
OF direct practical life-saving charity
Send all such dollars that are not actually
needed at home to the treasurer OF the
summer outings committee. ard thereby
Insure the maintenance this year at the
three camps of the thousand persons
whom 1t is hoped to help during the hot
sea son.
Last year some 100 women and children
were cared for at the two camps ma n
tanned near Washington. at a cost OF
about $1,000. and in addition 1,seo were
taken on day excursions. There is no
calculating the good that these outings
did to the poor of Washington. the
strength il gave them for the remainder
Of the year. the hope with which it filled
them. the homes 1t kept together 1t is
known beyond the least question that
these summer outings camps, saving fu-
ture doctor bills, strengthening women
to carry their burdens have prevented
the breaking up of many homes. have
held many men to sobriety and industry
and have greatly eased the charity prob
lem which confronts the community in
the winter Last year there was deficit
of $500 in the summer outings fund. There
should have been a surplus. if such
thing is possible in the charity which
seeks to reach every case. WASHINGTON
should never permit SO worthy and prac-
teal work to lack for sufficient funds
This year 1t s. hoped to provide for
between 800 and LOCO persons at the
two summer outings camps and the new
baby camp that is an additional feature
Of the present season. 1t will cost about
5000 a week to do this or approximately
SO. 600 for the season, of which about one
half is now in hand. The remainder
should be forthcoming at once. SO that
the plans can be laid with assurance and
the schedule drawn SO that there need be
no disappo ntments on the part of the
women and children.
You who have comfortable homes with
large airy rooms and shaded porches
and good food. may not understand what
the summer means to those who lack
such things. those who live in the alleys
in the tenements. in the mean streets.
where the sun beats down with no tenn
pering OF WIND. and the foul odors aHa
never fully blown away. and grass and
trees and flowers are never -een. From
such places come the women and chill
dren who are cared for at Camp Good
VIII and Camp Pleasant. From there
come the little sick babies with Their
worried and tired mothers who will popu-
late the new baby hospital camp. To-
night In these three places there will he
some go women and children. They
VIII be breathing good air and eating
| good food. They will have no Immediate
| cares and happiness will be their present
portion. Do not these hot days inspire
aff1uent Washington to insure the fullest
| possible comfort for the largest num-
| Der of women and children this summer?
II it is necessary IN the winter to prov.d
food and fuel and clothing for the suf-
fering poor it is Just as needful in the
| summer to give them good food and
sound sleep and health Let the fund
mount so high that splendid. record OF
practical charity will be written for the
season of 1912