The Waterbury Democrat., 1941-08-22
. (NEA Telephotol

Fund"
 Despite almost inSurmountabl obstacles since the Funds incep- tion in June of last year, they have already, largely through American aid, dispatched 5,721 French books, 3.533 pairs of socks, 3,31O sweaters, 331 scarfs, 377 pairs of gloves, Ill helmets, 105 pounds of wool, 220 sets of warm underclothes, 842 towels, 92 pairs of sheets, 84 pajana suits, 60 dressing gowns, 62 pairs of bedroom slippers, 292 pieces of soap, 276 tubes of shaving cream, 76 football outfits, 96 packs of playing cards, billiard tables, 200 sets of assorted games. 20 gramophones, 6 wireless sets and numerous other articles too diverse to specify.
 This does not include the many sacks of civilian clothing distributed to all parts of the country nor spe- cial parcels supplied to individual demands including cigarettes, sweets household articles, blankets, camp beds and items ranging from a sew ing kit to hundred weight of coal. Nor does 1t include such items as dentists bills or small sums of money given to refugees in urgent need. Dozens of picturesque cases could be mentioned: one man was moping for want of an accordion. An accordion was promptly beg ged and dispatched. Nor does 1t include numerous special of- ferings, such as the 4,OOO in- dividual Christmas presents for men of the Forces given in the name of the Fund by one member of the Committee and gifts of wine, cigars and the like for special occasions.
 Though the bulk of our stock has gone to the ships and camps, many minor groups have been helped in various ways, including 15O members Of the Legion des Jeunes Volon- taires. the Battalion de Fusiliers Marins and the Corps Feminin or ganized by the ex-tennis champion. Mime. Mathieu which, incidentally. has recently been bombed out of its headquarters.
 Other activities of the French in Great Britain include the running and construction of additional con- valescent homes. The plight of the French men who arrive here in need Of medical attention, particularly those who arrived here after being discharged from English hospitals, but who were still too weak for &C., tive service or civilian work, is one of the most serious problems.
 ?. The obtaining and operating of clubs where French refugees can congregate and speak their native tongue. These clubs are very essen- tial for the maintenance of morale. There are already three in England, put many more are acutely needed.
 3. The problem of hospitalizing and billeting is of increasing im- portance. With British evacuees distributed throughout the width and breadth of the land, it is ex- tremely difficult to find room for the accommodation of French men on leave. Representatives are ocn- Stantly being confronted with this &~N~ANAAA eAAA oO 4oA 1lSfC successfully encountered it. But actually the only solution is more money to pur- chase additional bed furnishings.
 In a personal letter addressed to Miss Marion Dougherty, President of the Free French Relief society in America, Lady Crewe said: Tn try ing to thank you, we remember that ours is only one of the objects out Of the thousands you have helped, only one of the many whic hthe golden streams ave flowed. The generosity of America is infinite.
 How inadequate is our expression Of thanks. Can we still hope for your aid?"
 Miss Dougherty declared that Lady Crewe's requests would receive the immediate attention of her execu- tive committee. A program will then be formulated to facilitate the American aid to Britain. It is ex- pected that all of the Free French Relief Society's chapters in the United States will be called upon to lend their efforts in response to Lady Crewe.