Coulee City dispatch. [volume] (Coulee City, Wash.) 19??-19??, 1937-02-04
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People Who Drop Coins in Tin
Cans for Sweet Charity

Cans for Sweet Charity
III ARDLY a week passes in
L Il this country without the
Inauguration of some sort Of
drive, the object of which is to
secure funds for benevolent
purposes. So general has be-
come the custom that munich
palities have found it necessary
to establish regulations under
which money may be collected
and accounted for.
After many experiments made to
simplify the business of receiving
voluntary contributions, the sealed
tin can, slotted for the reception of
coin or currency, and bearing a
plainly printed statement as to what
particular organization or institution
is behind the drive, has come into
general use.
Women and young girls are the
most successful collectors of lar
CESS for the benefit of suffering hui
mainly. While it is not obligatory
upon citizens to respond, none the
less a pleasant smile and soft
voice, plus an appealing look is an
influence of proven value.
Quite recently at the peak Of
drive, worthy in every way of gen
erous public response, I returned
to New York after long absence,
entering Manhattan via the Penn
sylvania station. One of a dozen
pretty girls, all armed with tin
banks and enameled buttons, asked
for contribution. Whatever you
wish to give" said she. "We are
grateful no matter what tn e
amount"
From a vest pocket I produced
several subsidiary coins and held
out my hand: an invitation for her
to help herself. She selected a
quarter, fixed upon the lapel of my
coat an unobtrusive button which
established me as a member of the
club, and expressed her thanks.
One in Six Contributes.
MAY I suggest that you wear
this symbol the remainder of the
week. she said, 'for the reason
that the drive will go on for that
period and we want the publicity.
Also it shows that you have re-
sponded and that nothing more is
expected of the wearer. It is in
surance against further appeals.
Really if people only knew that,
with an investment of not more
than the cost of cigar, the initial
cost of a badge, a button or rib
bon, they could render themselves
immune against what many regard
as an annoyance for the duration
of a drive. These things have just
got to be done if humanity is to
carry on. hope you don't mind
my putting it that way"
Here was girl of good sense,
contributing her own time without
fee, and as I learned Immediately
with no little pride in the part she
played.
She would be easy to interview.
"What percentage of those you ask
to contribute respond with money!"
I asked.
About one in six, a little less
than 20 per cent, and in amounts
ranging from five cents to a quar-
ter; occasionally fifty cents or a
dollar bill. About half of those who
pay tell me to keep the button and
sell it again. But to that I say
mo, you must wear it so that others
may know that you approve No
man who is willing to help should
be ashamed of having done So"
"Who respond the more readily,
men or women?"
Women More Generous
"Men as a rule, but women are
more generous when they do come
in. In any case the middle class can
be depended upon to make the best
showing. am sorry to say that
many people who from their at
tire and manner seem to represent
the prosperous class are downright
rude at even the suggestion that
they should be included in the trivial
assessment for the good of others.
1t is heartening to find that there
are some who come. forward with
out being asked, to volunteer con-
tribution. One man, who from visi-
BILE evidence appeared to be not
overly prosperous, gave me twenty
dollar bill, but absolutely declined
to wear a button. 1T will save you
from being approached again. I
urged. ooh, I don't object to that!'
he replied. 1T won't be hard to give
something to the next collector.
Men of that sort are few and far
between, however"
"The average daily total?"
The girl shrugged her shoulders.
sWell the weather always has
something to do with giving. Per
haps you will be surprised to hear
that rainy days are the best. In
stead of being chilled and depressed
by gloom, great many people
seem disposed to respond to an ap-