South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1913-12-25
Last Few Weeks Have Been
Strenuous Ones But Most
People Needed Advice And
Did Their Shopping Early.
APPEAL TO THE GOOD
FELLOWS IS ANSWERED
Plea For Hundred Children
Who Were Threatened With
a ToyIeSS Day, Brings Gifts
From Many People.

Today the Christian world lays
aside all mundane pursuits and cele-
brates the night Of nineteen hundred
and thirteen years ago, the night of
the birth Of Christ when the wise
men from the east brought gifts. To-
day gifts giving uppermost in the
minds of all and South Bend joins the
rest OF the universe. Young and old,
the rich and even the poor remember
loved ones and friends with a token
valuable in some instances and again
small in others, but still surrounded
with the spirit Of the holy day, the
birth of Christ.
1t was roughly estimated among
South Bend merchants yesterday that
the city expened approximately $780,,
900 for Christmas gifts during the
holiday season. Due TO the persistent
efforts OF the merchants and others
including the pOstotfice department
the greater part Of the city needed
the warning to shop early and the
usual last day rushes were not as
great as formerly. A few merchants
reported that the efforts Of the Organi-
cation formed last year and known as
''Spugs," the abbreviated term for
Society for the Prevention OF Useless
giving, was in some instances noticed
a greater amount OF neat and dainty
Christmas cards and similar memen-
tos being sold.
The call to the "Good Fellows for
toys enough 10 supply leo children, is
sued by the Associated Charities and
printed I'm wednesdays morning
News-Times was responded 70 with a
will. According to Mrs. w. G. Stover,
chairman or the Christian committee,
every one of the children will be able
to enjoy the cheer afforded by a
play-thing. Previous 10 this call one
dred children. Another woman gath
cred UP all the old toys in her neigh.
borhood repainted and repaired them
and made glad the hearts of 20 child
ren.
The campaign for the unfortunate
and poor OF the city probably netted
greater results this year than ever be-
fore. IT is doubtful IL single poor
family OF the city will be without
some sort of Christmas cheer today.
Efforts OF the Associated charities
Salvation Army and private parties
have made il possible for all TO be
remembered. The most noteworthy
campaign of all just closed was that
for the Children's dispensary nearly
$4,000 being raised for that institution.
viii Feed Hundred.
AS a final effort to provide at least
a dinner for many poor OF the city,
SIMON GTeenbduln. the MlCnlSdll
street merchant. announced that free
meal tickets 10 downtown restaurants
would be given away as long as any
one applied for any.
Edgar T. Bonds performed the
happy duties OF Santa Claus at a
Christmas tree party given for the
delectation OF his office staff in the
Central Union Telephone building
Wednesday afternoon.
Mr. Bonds put over the part ad-
mirably in spite OF the fact that he
dispensed with the conventional but
highly inhammable Whiskers and
cotton batting eyebrows. Prior TO
distributing the presents Mr.. Bonds
said
AT some time or other during the
year YOU all have wished for some
particular thing-something that you
greatly coveted. but did not expect TO
receive. Well. here YOU are. where
upon ne proceeded 10 distribute the
gifts.
And gifts thAy were, ranging from
box full OF excelsior and good wishes
90 completely stocked grocery store
ready for holiday trade