South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1915-11-02
FEDERATION FOR SOCIAL
SERVICE STATEMENT
BY President.

To the People of South Bend:
In addition to the statistical re-
ports Of the distribution and eXpendi-
tire of the funds contributed last
year for the use of TIE Federation for
Social service, it has been thought
fitting that |, as president OF the red
Grafton. should furnish the public
statement showing the history, ac-
complishments, purposes and needs
OF said federation. First, in behalf
OF each and all of it's members l de-
sire to express the most grateful ap-
probation and sincere thanks To the
contributors. organizers, solicitors.
and all who in any way directly or
indirectly assisted in furnishing sup
port for the year 1915.
The federation was formed in Oc-
tober last year. and Good Will Week
for soliciting the funds was in No
vember Thus the time for organiZa-
ton and publicity was very short. The
plan was new in this city. and much
explanation was necessary TO secure
an understanding Of the proposition
on the part of the association affected,
the expected contributors, and the
public generally. But through the
untiring efforts of those who under
took the task, very much was ac-
complished. Valuable assistance was
rendered by the press of the city.
Especial credit is due to the solicitors,
who through fair weather and foul
made a laboriOus canvass. explaining
the plan. answering objections and
appealing to the wise generosity OF the
people.
The various associations furnished
the federation a list of the known
contributors to their support in the
past. This list contained but 800
names. yet as the result of the can
vass during Good VIII Week 5000
subscribers were obtained. Doubt
less many more names would have
been added had there been time to
place the matter personally before
more of the citizens.
one OF the conditions of the fedora
ton plan is that there shall be only
the one solicitation during the year.
The amount raised was greater than
the total of all the contributions made
in any previous year. Yet it fell short
of the sum asked for and felt TO be
needed The funds raised were APP
portioned among the various bodies
according to the best judgment of the
federation officerS-but there should
be a contingent fund reserved TO meet
emergencies AS IT was a few of the
associations had hard work to meet
all demands. but relief was obtained
from two Of the bodies which were
able to get along with less than the
amount assigned them.
BY careful management and rigid
economy, and by helping one another
in emergencies caused by shortage CT
funds. all Of the associations have been
able TO live through the year without
violating their pledge not TO ask for
further contributions. In many
cases. however they have had their
usefulness curtailed. Only the most
urgent calls could be met. Needed
improvements and betterments have
not been possible
IL should. be borne in mind that the
work OF the federation is for the most
part constructive. Temporary relief
is but a small part of it's functions
It's chief purpose is TO assist, where
needed. in the vigorous development
of children. the restoration Of health,
and the general physical and moral
upbuilding Of individuals, so as 10
make them self-suppOrting. useful
citizens
The federation. therefore. comes TO
the people Of South Bend for the wear
1916 not only with full appreciation
for what was done for 1915. but with
an earnest request that the number
Of givers be greatly increased, and
that the amounts given shall. when
ever possible. be ENLARGED. In order
that the members OF the federation
can properly perform their work, II is
necessary that not less than $40. 900
be raised. This is a sum which the
people OF South Bend, we doubt not.
will be proud 10 give 10 support the
several worthy institutions OF the city.
To obtain il. however. the cooperation
and support OF every thoughtful citf-
zen should be cheerfully given.
Most respectively,
r. Louis Kuhns.
President South Bend Federation
for Social service.