The coastland times. [volume] (Mnateo [i.e. Manteo], N.C.) 1947-1959, 1952-12-26
GIFTS BRIGHTEN
CHRISTMAS FOR
STATES NEEDY

brighter this year for more than
10000 needy families across North
Carolina because of the generosi-
ty of various clubs and individuals
working in cooperation with county
departments of public welfare. This
fact was revealed in the report Of
a survey just completed by the
State Board of Public Welfare.
On the basis of the facts gath
cred in the survey it is estimated
that over 100000 will be given
by clubs and individuals to bring
extra Christmas joy to carefully
selected families whose situation
is known to welfare departments
These families either have special
needs beyond that which can be
given for essentials under the pub
lie assistance programs or are in
eligible for such help.
In one Piedmont county, for ex-
ample, some $50 families will be
brought extra Christmas joy
through this cooperative plan. Be-
tween $50 and 300 families in an
eastern county will be aided from
gifts totalling over $4,000. In a
western county $50 families will
be helped with the welfare depart
ment serving as a clearing house
to avoid duplication.
In the great majority Of the
States counties most of the clubs,
church groups, and other volun-
tary groups clear through the
county welfare departments. This
is done to avoid duplication and to
gain the advantage Of the coun-
sci of those whose work acquaints
them with the situations faced by
people in need. This year more
groups are making use of the CO.
operation of the county welfare de-
partments in planning their Christ
mas giving than ever before. Many
groups are making their gifts in
cash to permit the ones receiving
them to buy their own selection
of Christmas gifts.
Illustrations from over the State
of the generosity and good PLAN
ming which characterize these CO.
operative efforts are numerous.
Take one far western county, for
example, where the three Lions
Clubs entertained the 40 blind per-
sons within the area at a Christ
mas party with all the fixings-
and the Kiwanis Club gave a
Christmas party for some 40 chill
dren complete with tree, gifts, and
radio broadcast all their own.
The Baptist churches, the Boost
ers club and other groups have car
fortunate whose names are on the
ried out other projects for the less
list compiled by the welfare de-
partment.
In another county the local civic
clubs remember not only families
in need but also county indigents
at the two Sanatoria. This year
the Kiwanis club also donated a
generous amount to bring extra
Christmas cheer to those in institu-
tions who would not otherwise be
remembered.
A ladies class of a large church
approached the welfare department
about helping a family. 1t was sug-
gested that they aid an elderly
couple who were physically unable
to work and who received old age
assistance as their main source of
income. Members of the class Wis
tied the couple prior to Christmas
and got suggestions from the well
fare department. The class took
this as a special project and has
met a number of needs of both.
A child's wagon to carry small
epileptic boy was the need met
by one civic club. A family with
nine children whose father was in
the sanatorium was aided by a
church group until public assis-
lance for which they were eligible
could be arranged.
Admittedly only a partial report
of the generosity of North Caro-
linians, the survey gave convinc-
ing evidence that there is reserve
of good will, neighborliness, gen.
erosity, and intelligent planning to
meet emergencies and special needs
in the Christmas spirit and in the
American way.