The Washington times., 1925-06-09
San Francisco Chest
Well Filled
Collections Gain 500. 900 for
Year, Though Returns Fail
of Goal Set

SAN FRANCISCO, June 9.-The
Community Chest has been a sue
cess in San Francisco, and ut the
close of the third campaign there
is no question In tho minds Of those
in charge that the organization will
continue in success and helpfulness.
During the 1925 campaign, held
February 10 to 90, the Community,
Chest raised $2.266, 510.96 or 100000
more than ever before. and whereas
there were only ninety agencies in
the organization in 1928, the begin
ming year, there are now 104. None
of the agencies originally in the
Chest have withdrawn, and fourteen
have been added.
But although more money than
ever before was raised, the goal set
for the campaign-s2,4 92, 546-was
not reached. The Chest explains this
as being due to the fact that San
Francisco had only two months to
prepare for the campaign, owing
to the illness of one of the exccu-
tives and consequent change CT
personnel.
Draws as Novelty.
In 1923, when the idea Of the
chest was novel, the goal was
81 .037 ,206 and the city gave $2,142,-
1926. In 1924 there was 3 drop.
The goal was $2.174,3 56 and only
$2,081, 1858 was given. Though the
1925 campaign also failed to bring
in the quota, there was about
STE, 900 gain over the year before.
The goal has constantly increased
81 ,,4
agencies in the chest. 1t is ex-
pected that all Of the 1926 quota
will be raised during the year
through the central office. There
is a question whether or not San
Francisco has reached the satura-
ton point in giving. Only the cam
paigns Of the next few years can
test this point.
In 1923, the first year. 1885, $50
people subscribed; in 1924, there
were 116, 683 subscribers, and in
1925, 114,000 gave. The chest ex-
plains the fluctuation in the num-
Der of givers and in the amounts
received by saying that there is al
ways a varying number Of people
who constitutionally object to The
idea of a community chest; that
there are those who object to it
because of religious prejudices,
since the chest aids all denomina.
tons, and that the energy of the
campaigners is not always 100 per
cent.
The Community Chest has
proven very satisfactory in cutting
down campaign labor and expendi-
ture. Under the old system Of
separate campaigns, rs per cent
of the receipts was spent for ex-
penses, while under the chest, only
per cent went for expenses. TIE
organization is run with great
economy, with a paid staff of I'M
der twenty persons. AS a Sample
of the integrity of the organIZa-
ton, the campaign expenses were
$4,000 less than the amount al
lowed.
The final test of the Community
Chest in San Francisco has Eeen
the improvement of social service.
1t has eliminated rivalry between
the various agencies and has
brought about complete co-opera-
ton. For instance, one agency
featuring music is now conducting
classes in two other community
houses. thus cutting down the
total expense and allowing more
TO" other needs.
Letters from the agencies show
great relief, and gratitude for the
services of the chest in relieving
them of the burden of collecting
funds. They have now all their
time for improving the service they
give, and their monthly income to
be used for maintenance and opera.
ton only is assured. One hundred
and forty-eight thousand cases were
relieved in 1924.
Many improvements in San Fran.