Evening star., 1923-12-19
DROP IN DONATIONS.
! TO WORTHY POOR.
Christmas Opportunities
Fund, Through Star and
4 Other Channels, Small.

A year ago today The Star ac-
knowledged receipts Of $2,490 for the
Christmas opportunity fund of the
Associated Charities, which was then
in its thirteenth year. Receipts up
TO noon today total but $1,422.oS, or
scarcely more than one half as much
as last year at this time. The needs
are just as urgent as a year ago. The
problem Is the same-that or mend
ing broken families. Many friends
have been raised up in the past for
this Christmas appeal.
76s People Gave Last Year.
Last year there were 76s contribu-
tors to the opportunity fund by actual
count. This is not a large number
for so big q city. but their friendship
meant everything to the fourteen
families whose welfare they under
wrote. More friends are needed.
Small gifts and large ones.
One old-time friend in sending IN
her subscription wishes 1t could be
one hundred times as much. This Is
n sentiment or regret frequently ex-
pressed by contributors, but II every
body will do his bit the preSerra-
1ion of these homes throughout the
coming year will be assured. And
i what happy New Year 1T Will be for
these fifty children and their mothers
and the three old folks in No. B.
Spirit of independence.
Let no one think that these mothers
is because of their Independent, self
respecting spirit that they have been
selected from a larger III for this
Christmas appeal, althoughAhey have
not been told of the fact. Somehow
or other they seem to believe there
is a kindly Providence who watches
over widows and orphans and who
will somehow find a way for them
TO hold their families together. Be
cause each of these mothers has
proved by her previous efforts at
self-support to give of her very best
TO the training of her children, the
Associated Charities visitors are able
TO commend these mothers to the gem
erous good will of the givers of
Washington. Contributions may be
sent to John Joy Edison, treasurer,
1922 11th street northwest, or to the
office of The Star, and will be prompt
ly acknowledged.
No. 1-Father Ill-MOther,
Six Children
With her husband in the hospital
and no prospect of his return, this
little mother is making a brave strug-
gle to keep suitable home for her
six children. The oldest child is tax
ing a course in vocational training
to better equip herself as wage
Garner. This strains the family purse,
but the thirteen-year-ol boy is
bringing in little money by work
ing after school. All the children are
in school or kindergarten except the
baby. only two years of age, who is
the pet of the household.
Relatives are doing everything they
can to help. but this happy. normal
home would have to be broken up if
the Associated Charities should stop
helping with food to satisfy the
hnn nptu p1A
keep the family warm. Surely those
who love their own homes will not
let this mother lose hers.
SIS a week is the minimum required
to save this home, or $3.50 for the
year.
1 Amount as asked for $3.50; Previously
IS; II. K B.. s25; Mrs. c. ]. b., s5
\. B. J., 81; Mr.. and Mrs. c. T. H. 81;
L v. N, So; P. D.. 5000; L. o. B., So;
Miss A. b, So N. s., So ]. E. A, SIS
V: X. s25; N. B. j.. 81. Total to date,
Sl34.O6.
Still needed, sS45.s4.
Ne. -Overwork. Undernourtshment.
When father" was living this
mother and her three children had a
nice home and everything went well.
The same sad story-death of the
father. and the long, hard struggle
on the part OF the INOIleT 10 make a
living for her children. She tried
desperately, but could not make
enough to give them the proper food.
and the result Is that the older two
boys are at present undernourished.
There is absolutely no income in the
family at present, other than that
received from the Associated Char
tiles, and a total of $25 a week. or
$1,000 for the year, will give these
boys a chance to regain their health
and eventually fit them to assume the
care of the family. Need We tell
you what this Christmas present will
mean to this mother?
Amount asked for, $1,000. Previously
acknowledged, $50. Mrs. N. NJ. D., SO;
Mr.. and Mrs. c. T. H, 81; Plate Print
ers Union, Local No 2, s5; Mr.. and
Mrs. c. Z. L., 81 Total to date, s64.
Still needed, s1.236.
No. 3-Two Rooms Spell Home.
'Come and see our nice, brand
new home" said a little tot Of seven
The mother in this family was left to
fight her way alone, but she could
not make go of It, owing to bad