Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1920-11-15

Comparatively rev people, even
members of the Red Cross chapter.
actually realize the great amount of
good which is being done by this or
ganization right here at home.
The Home Service Of the American
Red Cross has received and made 2lS5
calls from April IL, 1919. to April Is.
1920. The calls made on and by this
department have been for varied pur-
poses. Last spring as our Yankee Di-
vision boys came home We received
many calls from them for aid in
Strengthening out their A & A ac-
counts: for help in securing the $50
bonus allowed by the federal govern
ment: for the extra travel pay which
was allowed them at the rate of 8 cents
per mile. IS
Many mothers and widows came for
help in applying for the compensation
and insurance due them. If you could
have seen the look of relief which
showed so plainly in the faces of some
of these mothers when they were told
that our department would write the
letters and fill out the necessary
blanks for them you would never ask
of what use is the Home Service
department:
Many men have been assisted in re-
covering their Liberty bonds. in re-
Installing their government insurance:
in getting their gas masks and he'll
NETS. and clothing which was not is
sued them when they were discharged
This department has been asked by
both N IN
gate cases for them.
Our boys who were disabled while
in the service have been sent to our
public health doctor or sent to hospi-
tai for treatment, and ARRANGEMENTS
have been made for them to meet the
federal board at Portland. Many of our
ex-service boys have been placed in
schools or in manufacturing plants
here in our city for their vocational
education under the federal board.
We have loaned money when il
seemed necessary, have bought fuel
and clothing for families in need.
We have extended our work in two
ways. Last September we took I'D
Americanization work in the form of a
class in teaching English. We invited
different nationalities to attend the
class. but as it happened only Syrians
responded. Two classes have been
meeting since the last OF September.
One for men in a hall rented, heated
and lighted by these pupils; the other
for women and girls. has met in the
Woman's Association Rooms. We
have registered As men, and during the
winter We often had from 20 to rs
men present. The other class has a
membership of eight women. These
classes have been taught by volunteer
workers. MANY Of these workers have
given their services two or three
nights each week all winter. These
people have shown their eagerness to
learn our American language.
Our other branch Of extension work
has been the establishment of nurses
registry. Many doctors and citizens
have long felt the need of a registry.
Many nurses have already registered
and many others have signified their
interest and intention of doing so.
+ We believe there are many projects
which might be carried on for the hot
terment Of our city. and we wish to fol- :
low the example of our brave boys and
continue to carry on. by helping to
relieve suffering and to improve liy-
ing conditions.
The work done by the Home Service
department could not have been &C.
complished If the citizens Of water.
vile had not given SO generously of
their time. strength and money.
scrloed. SO cents remains with the To-
cal chapter for Home Service work.
Or every five-dollar contributing men,
bership. 81 remains with the 1oca,
chapter. and with every 1o-dollar sus-
tanning membership. IS remains with
the local chapter.