The Key West citizen. [volume] (Key West, Fla.) 1879-current, 1953-12-21
NEBLETT SAYS HE
fConfInued FTum Page Onel

(Conftnued From Page onel
Cd remarks In she Citizen SaiuF.
day.
/ was not unprepared for the Ad,
miral's statement, said Neblett
Towner had voiced the same opin,
ion at several board meetings Of
the Chest directors recently. ! vii
agree that the total raised in the
City has not come up to expec'
tations, and II is my firm convic'
ton that when a fuller understand.
ling of Chest activities permeates
our citizens their contributions viii
be more widespread and more gen.
erous. This is a year-round job,
which each organization in the
Chest must undertake - to &C
quaint all Key Westers with their
worthwhile activities and their
needs.
Many of the telephone calls to
Chest Headquarters were from CT
william workers in Naval establish
Iments. There has been some mis-
understanding, said Neblett, con-
corning the status of their contri-
buttons. The Navy, including its
regular civilian employees, and CT
villains closely associated, such as
employees Of General Electric on
the Naval Station, was placed in
a category similar to an industrial
plant. Admiral Towner acted in the
capacity of co-chairman of the
Chest drive, as head Of this sin-
|dustry." Chest Headquarters in the
City does not have the breakdown
of participants fNnlS donated
severally by mill civilian
personnel, and firms
whose only Key We elton is
through Naval sourc Navy
total of over $1s. 0OO.Oe Included
such civilians and firms. The
breakdown figures viii undoubted-
ly be made public in the near fu-
ture.
While the Chest Drive may not
achieve its announced goal, said
Neblett, it appears that there win
be sufficient funds to operate its
member agencies during 1854, al
though some budgets must be re-
vised downward. The Chest Board
allowed approximately 81, 10000 for
contingencies, overhead, and unpaid
pledges. The cost of the drive has
been approximately s., 10000, most
ly for supplies and printing. This
is less than per cent for overhead.
Pledges actually represent less
than 10 per cent of total contribu-
tons, and very little, If any loss.
is foreseen. Many pledges are ac-
tually being paid up right now, ra-
Their than wait for 1854, for income
tax reasons. Ny own contribution
was partial cash and partial pledge
said Neblett, but most firms and
many individuals were not used to-
the pledge idea, else our totals
would have been higher.
The total measure of a com.
munity is in the unselfishness and
dedication of its citizens to build
a better world. We have suggested
the measure of a days pay. Some
have given more, many gave less,
unfortunately some have not par
ticipated.
There have been tender and
touching scenes. said Neblett like
the little cub scout in Z.on Memoir.
fal Church presenting = Mason jar
full of pennies on behalf of his
group. There was a widow. aged.
nearly blind, and totally dependent
on meager welfare funds for her
food, who would not let the Chest
workers 60 until she fumbled in q
nearly empty purse for a half-doI-
lar. There are rewards in these
drives, as well as Disappointment.
and to those who have followed
their conscience / offer my sincere
thanks and the gratitude of those
less fortunate who are the recipi.
ents of their generosity.