The Washington times., 1915-12-25
HUNDRED POOR BOYS
GET new OVERCOATS
Saks & Co. Also Give Shoes and
Money to Needy Little Ones
in Annual Distribution.

Forgotten by Santa Claus. 100 boys
from cheerless homes in Washington
had little of the Christmas spirit
brought into their lives this morning
when they were taken from the streets
by Saks G. Co. and clad in warm, snug
fitting overcoats.
This Christmas treat was the annual
overcoat distribution made by Saks &
Co, which has become one of the fixed
charitable events of the holiday sea son.
Long before 10 o'clock, the hour at
which the doors of the store were to be
thrown open to the possessors of the
coveted tickets distributed by the Asso-
ciated Charities, the nondescript line OF
thinly-clad little beings had formed in
Seventh street
When at length Isaac Cans, manager
Of Saks Co. gave the signal, woman
Garhed In typical south European styc
and bearinE a baby in her arms. led into
the store an &eleven-year. old boy. The
little Italian was only one of the FIVE
children that this mother in endeavor-
ing to support from the sale of flowers
in the streets The father IN tubcrcu-
lar atient.
Tony's ticket colei simply for an
overcoat. but before he had been re-
leased by the attentive clerks he sported
corduroy breeches. To make his happi-
ness complete. as he passed out Mr..
Cans tucked in to his grimy fist a crisp
NIL. with directions that it he scent in
the purchase of something substantial
for the family Christmas dinner.
Case Merely Typical.
This was merely typical case. Be
fore the distribution was concluded 100
boys had passed down the line and been
fitted out. AS they handed in their
tickets Mr.. Cans and his assistants gave
them close inspection. If the shoes
we're down at the heels, the stockings
torn, the breeches ragg ed, or the
jackets unusually thin, these garments
were replaced before the new overcoat
was fitted on.
To many a wan-faced woman a faint
smile OF appreciation was brought by
the unexpected gift of money which
Went to many of the cases which Mr..
Cans had had especially looked into.
The distribution was interrupted brief
~ when a bri ght-faced girl of eleven
slapped to the head of the line and pre-
sented two tickets, calling for coats
for her little brothers, Morris and
Benny, aged. respectively, four and five
years. When these boys, looking like
gray overcoat and on their long yellow
curls were perched new caps.
This was not the only instance in
which brothers shared in the gifts.
ceived gifts. and brothers, ten and
twelve years old. the sons of a widow
with ten children, were cared for.
That all of the cases were DESCRIBING
was quite evident. There was none of
the patter and profuseness that marks
the professional charity seeker. In many
Instances the recipients Of the gifts
slipped quietly away with abashed
Acknowledgements, while others spoke
their appreciation in modest, manner.
A striking feature of this years dis
tribution. according to Mr.. Cans. was
the appearance of those who made ap-
plication. There were few of the ex.
ceptionally pitiful cases, and the boys
he said. were generally better clad.
Mr.. Cans was assited by George s
Daniel, manager of the clothing de-
partment; L. l.. Crandell. manager oi
the shoe department. and S. L. Phillips
af the fllrIli oh deIna rt mt