Plentywood herald. [volume] (Plentywood, Mont.) 1908-current, 1931-10-22
THE. AMERICAN RED CROSS

ing the fear or colo ana munger, Ny eiNhi6
aid in times of distress, that we have over
looked those at home who complete the work
for the national organization.
There are scores Of local ccmmiteemen
and women who labor long hours tor this
cause without much show of appreciation
being extended to them by the rest OF us who
sit idly by while the Red Cross does the work.
These heroes who are enrolled in this vast
organization must see that the work is done
here at home, and for this they sacrifice
time, knowledge, training and energy which
could be used otherwise.
1t may appear easy to those who do not
take an active part in this work. 1t must look
easv for those who come for aid. The matter
of writing out an order on the American Red
Cross should not take up but little time, &C
cording to their views.
However; the local committeeman and
women must keep an absolute record OF and
be able to give reasons for everything that
has been expended. The county executive
committee must scrutinize all of these claims
for aid. They must act Upon new applica-
tons. They must see that all are treated
equally fair. They must see that only the
actually needy ones receive this aid. In adj
dition to this they must check up on those
who do not want to seek help and who are in
actual need, and must help them.
A few days ago we had occasion to
check up on the work placed upon some
of the members of the executive committee.
We learned they were dispensing aid to 495
families in this county, and that every order
~,,,o4 L. oloo1rol o,ox Ixr +lo-. .o~or1oto
report Of everything made out in full for the
different branches Of the national organiza-
ton. Every order must be accounted for;
it must be shown to the very last cent just
what this money was spent for. When the
rest Of US are sleeping, these men spend long
hours doing this extra work.
These men are steadily plugging away
doing book work, writing letters to the ma
tional headquarters and answering those APP
pealing for aid; orders are being issued and
copies are being filed away These men are
unselfishly giving their time and energy to
fulfill the demands made upon them both by
the needy ones and the national offices thru
which the aid is given. No day must pass
without the work having been fully COM
pleted. These men must earn a living for
themselves also as the Red Cross does not
extend aid to them.
For their services to humanity, for acting
as their brothers keeper, for giving Of their
time, energy and knowledge in this time of
depression, they are entitled to the thanks
and appreciation of %everyone; not only those
they help here, but those of us who could
assist in this work, but who want to forget
that someone must make sacrifices of this
nature. Maybe we think we have sacrificed
enough when we give to the annual drive
tor funds. those who come to these men
appealing for aid oftimes show their appre-
clatin, while others crouch because they
should have more than the other fellow.
lhese DO not show their appreciation, but
oftlmes vent their spleen against these men
by voiceferous denunciations. They take the
relief orders and damn the Red Cross, the To-
cal committeeman and committeewomen az
well as the executive committee. However:
the ones who labor to see that none shall 90
hungry or freeze, pass over these rough
spots to meet the next applicant with a
smile. Many tell them their work is apprecia-
ated, many tell them they can get along with
less than the executive committee has an
propriated For them, although they are in
greater want than those who demand more
and more. 1t is these appreciative ones who
take away the sting Of abuse heaped upon
them by those who are never satisfied with
the amounts they receive.
Efficiency and courtesy must 90 hand
In hand for these who give of their services
SO unstintingly in the grim battle against the
stalking spectre of want. They know their
business and do it well. National officers who
come here know this and tell them so.
there are many women too, who give
of their time and knowledge of humankind.
and who know and extend aid TO ther ne;ob