South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1922-12-25
LEGION In ROLE
OF SANTA CLAUS
TO 200 ORPHANS
Presents of Many Kinds Given
Frank j. Murray Conducts
Successful Party.

~ a. q AioI CA-SelN WIG men, DuL
service men, banded together for a
greater service even than that to
your country in her hour OF military
need These words from Bishop
John Hazen White, a year ago at
the veteran party given by South
Bends citizens, were recalled sun
day as members Of South Bend Post
30, the American Legion. watched
the presentation Of gifts which they
had purchased for those 200 and
more little ukes at the Orphans
Home.
Rev. Albert L. Monger. in his
Christmas sermon at ne First
Methodist church, paid high tribute
to the Legionnaires and especially
TO the spirit which impelled the
veterans of the World war to make
personal sacrifice that the letters
written 10 Santa Claus by the home
less children might be answered as
nearly as possible TO the letter. with
absolutely new toys and articles of
clothing.
Members Of the board Of trustees
Of the Home declared Sunday after
noon that never before had there
been such a Christmas for the or
phans. In fact, never before have
there been so many fine sleds, wag-
ons. skates. and games as the veter-
ans, who had occasion during their
service to know what Christmas
without their loved ones meant, had
procured for the American Legion
Christmas at the Orphans Home.
Murray Directs Activity.
And the buddies who watched
Howard McMann in his Santa suit
present the bran, spankin' new
gifts. had a new light in their eyes
when they left. Frank J. Murray
to whose tireless efforts and excel
lent purchasing ability goes so much
of the credit for the success of the
project. made a short presentation
talk. Murray is communicated
Of the Post.
William Metzenbach, who with Mrs.
Metzenbach, an active member of
the Legion auxiliary, originated the
idea Of the orphans Christmas, and
members Of his committee, assisted
with the loading and unloading and
with the distribution. And such
wild-eyed wonder as child after
child received that for which he
had asked. right out Of Santa's work
shop, and the best gift obtainable!
To the Boy Scouts at the Home went
wrist watches; TO the toddIers, pack
ages of tiny dolls, candy animals
hi RI ~f~I-
doll beds. dolls, kimonos, kerchiefs.
Mr.. Murray's office at PIG y. Lafay-
cite st. resembled a toy department.
The assembling and wrapping was.
all done there.
1t is estimated that the Post
members spent about $500 answer
ing those letters. Nothing was paid
for out Of the general fund-all by
the members individually. Two
weeks ago the letters were present
ed listed and portioned out with
out regard to what was asked.
Some spent as high as 10 dollars.
Some spent less. In a few cases
where substitutions were necessary,
as near the toy asked q s possible
was procured. Many contributed
cash.
To Install Officers.
A report of the affair will be given
by Mr.. Murray at the next meeting
of the Post, at which he will be in
stalled as commander for 1928, sue
ceeding A r. Macdonald. The next
meeting will feature a dinner and
entertainment and Will be hel6
either a week earlier or a week lat
er than scheduled owing TO an OK
position booked for the Chamber Of
Commerce. Arrangements are be-
ing made 10 bring William HerschelL
author OF Long Boy and other
war poems and songs, and Perry
Fulkner state commander Of the
Legion. 10 South Bend for the event.
Commanders from neighboring posts
viii also be invited.