Evening star., 1947-12-24

Charitable organizations and
other groups are lending many OF
their Christmas activities to the
provision of food, clothing and holi-
day trimmings for those Of the
Washington area who otherwise
might go without them.
Community Chest agencies, be-
sides trying to meet the practical
desires of parents and increasing
family allowances where possible
have planned the traditional Christ
mas trimmings for children under
their care.
The agencies, with their limited
funds, are being assisted by friends,
clubs and civic groups. The Christ
mas Gift Distribution Center Of the
Council of Social Agencies is help
ing to supply toys.
Family Brought Together.
One agency is helping with trans
portation costs to reunite family
scattered this summer because OF
inadequate housing accommoda-
tions. Now an apartment has been
found, and the family will be to-
gether for Christmas.
Another family's Christmas re-
quest was for a stove. Another
asked ton of coal, a fourth has a
house this year for the first Christ
mas, thanks to the assistance Of a
Chest-supported agency.
At member homes, nurseries and
neighborhood centers, children are
being feted, taking part in special
programs and receiving gifts. Christ
mas dinners will round out the
celebrations.
The Volunteers of America will
serve 1000 turkey dinners to the
needy Christmas Day in the base
ment dining room of its headquar-
ters. 924 New York avenue NV.
Maj. w. o. Ulrey announced. Cards
have been issued for the cafeteria
style dinner, which will be served
from 10 am. until pm.
Christmas Checks Ready.
Christmas checks, ranging from
$50 TO SIS, for home relief will be
distributed at headquarters between
2 and 4 pm. today. Toys, candy and
oranges will be given children from
10 m. to 4 pm. Christmas Day.
About $50 children will have tur-
key and the trimmings on Christmas
Day as guests of the personnel OF
Andrews Field. They are members
Of the Police Boys Club and its aux
iliary. Buses will take the children
to and from the base. WACs will be
hostesses.
Service personnel in the Military
District of Washington who will
spend Christmas away from home
also will be remembered. Many
servicemen and women have taken
advantage OF a liberalized leave pro-
gram, but for those unable to GO
home. special services officers on the
posts have planned special celebra-
tions.
Patients to Be Entertained.
Army service clubs and recreation
halls will have open house with full
schedules of entertainment. Reli-
gious services will be held at post
chapels. Entertainment also will be
taken to hospital wards.
Santa Claus will visit the Trini-
dad Boys Club tonight and give a
Christmas tree decorated with IA
balls representing contributions of
s577 to the clubs $4,000 fund drive.
The Christmas presents" includ-
ed $500 from one Washington Or
ganization and $40 gifts from two
Sunday School classes. Fred E.
Nalley. jr., executive director. said
there was plenty of room" on the
tree for balls bearing the names
of adults who contribute to the club,
and that it will be left standing
until New Year Day with hope that
it will be filled.
With s6,053 received to date. the
drive for funds to meet next years
expenses has reached only 50 per