Evening star., 1928-12-24
FIRST LADY GREETS
1,4QO NEEDY TOTS.
Mrs. Coolidge Aids in Distri-
button of Gifts at Annual
Christmas Party.

Fourteen hundred underprivileged
children of the District had their faith
in Santa Claus restored today when
they attended the Central Union Mis-
sion's annual Christmas tree party on
the stage at Keiths Theater.
Mrs. Coolidge, in accordance with her
annual custom of six years standing,
was hostess at the party. She wished
the youngsters a hearty Merry Christ
mas just before she gave, away the first
of the 1,400 "kiddie bags" which had
been filled with gifts by the Washington
public.
The party was started few minutes
after ii o'clock when motion picture
comedies were shown. Then the Central
High School Trumpet Quartet, composed
of William King, Earl Edwards, Griffith
Johnson and Carmine Errico, played
three Christmas carols.
Not to be outdone by the high school
musicians 20 boys and girls living at
the Missions Emergency Home for
Children, ga Louisiana avenue, con-
tributed their bit to the musical pro-
gram by singing a group of Christmas
songs.
Santa's Appearance Greeted.
Suddenly the theater was darkened
and sleigh bells were heard in the
distance. In burst of red lights, Santa
Claus bounded upon the stage to greet
the joyously applauding children. Santa,
portrayed by John S. Bennett, superin-
tendent of the Central Union Mission,
announced that he had separate bag
of gifts for each child and a great
surprise" for all Santa's surprise was
revealed in the introduction of Mrs.
Coolidge as 'the most beautiful, the
most gracious, the First Lady of the
Land"
Dressed in cleaning white, Mrs. Cool
idge waved to the children as she
walked upon the stage, carrying large
bouquet of crimson carnations in one
hand Mrs. Coolidge wished the young
sters the happiest Christmas they ever
had, and led them in shouting a Merry
Christmas" to Mr.. Bennett.
A similar greeting was shouted to Mrs.
Bennett, whom Mrs. Coolidge beckoned
to the stage to receive from her the
bouquet of carnations. The First Lady
told the children that the flowers were
to Mother Bennett from you and
me-" Mrs. Coolidge then gave out the
first of the l 400 bags, which were
handed to the children of all ages as
they filed across the stage from their
seats in the auditorium.
Theater Opened for Party.
Although the theater is not now in
operation Keith's was opened, heated
and lighted for the annual party of the
Central Union Mission by the Keith
Albee management through the courtesy
of George T. Thompson, superintendent
of the local building. The staff of cleo
tricians and stage men necessary to OPP
crate the curtains, lights and motion
pictures, volunteered their services
through the stage employees local union
and included w. /. Trumbull, Tom
Maskell, Erving Reid, j. E. Taylor, w.
Harton and William Bennett.
Today's party for underprivileged
children was only the beginning of the
Central Union Missions Christmas ac-
tivities, which will continue through
tomorrow. Nearly 800 families will re-
ceive baskets containing the ingredients
of a Christmas dinner this afternoon
and tonight, while preparations are be-
ing made today to serve 800 destitute
men with dinners at the Mission, 613
c street at noon tomorrow. Christmas
dinner and Yule celebration with a
trimmed tree and other holiday decora-
tions will be staged in the Emergency
Home for Children for the Al boy and
girl residents of the institution tomor-
row also.