Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1939-11-11
Roosevelt Appeal
Launches Annual
Red Cross Drive
President Sees Greater
Needs as Result of
War Suffering

The annual membership Roll Call
Of the American Red Cross got un-
der way today under the impetus
Of an appeal by President Roosevelt
to the American people to join this
national voluntary relief agency.
The Presidents appeal was made
last night in a statement in which
he declared that as the war con-
tinues "the suffering will greatly
increase and need for assistance will
multiply many times"
In another effort to assist in the
Red Cross campaign, the Chief Ex-
ecutive will deliver brief radio ad-
dress at 10:37 o'clock tonight.
Praises Wide Service.
Mr.. Roosevelt's statement last
night follows:
Each year, at this season, we glad
gladly turn our thoughts and our
hearts toward the American Red
Cross-that institution which inter-
prets so we'll our instructive de-
sire to extend a helping hand of
compassion and sympathy to those
In distress. AS our officially recog-
nized national volunteer relief
agency, the Red Cross, through its
democratic organization and popular
membership, serves us all in bringing
~A1Saf m tI,nca ,,ooI
I'VE are proud that our Red Cross
knows no creed, race or color; that
1t respects no boundaries as it goes
forth on its never-ending errands
Of mercy, carrying prompt and
practical aid to afflicted humanity
everywhere. We know that we can al
ways rely upon it for speedy relief in
time of disaster, for combating dis
ease. for fighting to eliminate acci-
dent and death on the highway, in
the water, in industry and in the
home and for training our youth
through the Junior Red Cross.
War Areas Aided.
''From the very outset of hostili-
ties, the Red Cross has been an
swering urgent appeals for aid in
Europe without neglecting or for
getting its obligations of service
here at home. We know, however,
that as the war continues the suf-
fering will greatly increase and need
for assistance will multiply many
times. So far the Red Cross is
financing its relief operations from
voluntary contributions and it's own
funds. To give it additional strength
for its expanding work we must lend
our generous support, both through
contributions and membership.
During the period from Armistice
Day to November 30, the American
Red Cross will ask every adult citi-
zen of our Nation for this support
through individual membership. I
am confident the American people
will rally to the appeal.
II strongly urge that every one
who can possibly do so join the
American Red Cross during its an
nual membership Roll Call"
Clergymen BACK Drive.
Clergymen throughout the Nation,
led by nationally known leaders of
the Protestant, Catholic and Jewish
faiths, will celebrate Red Cross
Sunday" tomorrow with an appeal
for roll-call support during the
drive, which will continue until No
vember 80.
Endorsements reaching the ma
tional headquarters here carried ap-
peals by Bishop Charles L. Mead,
Methodist Episcopal Church, Kansas
City; Archbishop John ]. Cantwell,
Archdiocese of Los Angeles, and
Rabbi Norman Gerstenfeld of the
Washington Hebrew Congregation.
Bishop Mead said: THE work of
the Red Cross is worthy of all sup
port and interest on the part OF
every human being on earth, as it is
designed to aid and help any one in
need because of emergency or unex-
pected disaster. and it renders this
help without discrimination of race,
color or condition of servitude"
Archbishop Cantwell's statement
said: THE limits of the worth of
this organization are set only by the
extent of the needs they supply. 1t
is the act of expression of all our
humanitarian ideals. 1t restores to
the people the essential kindness of
human nature. In the disasters of
nature it gives the comfort of prac-
teal help to persons who cannot
help themselves"
Rabbi Gerstenfeld said: THE
American Red Cross aids disaster
victims; patrols our rural frontiers
with public health nurses; its first
aiders and lifesavers act intelligently
when accidents occur; it's volunteers
work tirelessly to clothe the needy.
urge every one to join this society
during its annual roll call, so that
this great work may continue with
full strength"
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