The Washington times., 1922-12-15

son a bicycle. which cost S55, with
his help, and II was all paid for
except $1.75, and a few weeks ago
some one stole the wheel.
"It would be utterly impossible
to buy another one. A little boy
friend has loaned him an old
wheel 30 he can keep his Job.
Gould some kind-hearted Good
Fellow help him get q new
wheel?
Another messenger boy. It IL
learned, Is acting as the sole bread
winner for his widowed mother
and five small children. The little
chap, whose work is supposed to
pay the rent and keep the family
In food and clothes, is but sixteen
years old. The mother is Ill and
the smaller children are under
nourished. Here In a real oppor-
tunity for a real Good Fellow.
One of the most pathetic cases
which faced the Good Fellows last
year has been opened again with
the appeal for aid for the family
of Mrs. John Hansford Purks.
This family was thrown out Of
home Just two days before Thanks
giving last year because OF in
ability to pay the rent on their
home at 3S48 M street northwest.
With no resources and no place to
go. the heroic little woman, her
crippled husband. and six small
children. the oldest not more than
thirteen years old. lived for two
days in the street. On Thanksgiv-
ing day q heavy rain. fell, driving
them into doorways. and soaking
their bedding. For two nights the
children slept on q mattress in q
hallway, but Mrs. Purks was un-
able to get any sleep or shelter.
Subsequently little money. re-
ceived as judgment for the injury
Of one Of the children in street ac-
cident. enabled them to secure tenn
porary lodging at 1919 Thirty
fourth street.
The family. at present living in
the downtown section, II badly in
need Of assistance.
A number Of the Good Fellows,
having waited the families to which
they have been assigned, have vol.
unfairly given immediate relief as
sistance, without waiting for Christ
mas. and are going ahead with their
original Christmas plans as well.
One Good Fellow found the four
small children Of a family to which
she had been assigned were in
actual distress through lack of prop
er clothing. She Immediately pur-
chased them warm underclothing
and shoes. and IL planning . real
Christmas party for them. with toys
and candy and small Christmas
tree.
A Word to New Corners.
The veterans In the Good Fellow
army, who carried on tho work last
year and the year before, are COM
ing back in force for this year.
Many. without making known the
fact that they are still the best Of
Good Fellows. are quietly goins
ahead with their plans for taking
care Of the families to which they
were previously assigned. Many have
continued to provide for the families
throughout the year.
To those who are enrolling IN
the Good Fellow ranks for the first
time this year Q word Of explana.
ton II In order:
The Good Fellow movement In q
step toward wfping out the sorrow
Of unhappy Christmas DAYS in the
homes Of the. unfortunate OF the
city. In this movement The Times
is acting as the agent which brings
together the unfortunates and the
Good Fellows Of Washington.
Any person can Join the ranks
Of the Good Fellows. All that ID
needed 10 the ambition to brins
happiness to some child or old per
son who II unprovided for on
Christmas Day.
The Good Fellow gets no pub
licity. His name 10 known only tc
himself and the people he assists
III he chooses TO disclose his iden
tity to them. His reward n the
knowledge that he has brought Joy
to someone who but for his indi
vidual efforts would have been un
happy on the one day In the year
when. Of al days. everyone should
be happy.
Come on. you Good Fellows, SEND
In your names to the Good Fellow
editor and get your assignments
There 10 still plenty Of opportunity
for you to learn the Joy Of bring
ing happiness to those who may
through no fault Of their own, b.
In lees fortunate circumstances
than yourself.