OUR MISSION Thousands of Gifts on View

Press, Volume LXXIII, Issue 21986, 9 January 1937, Page 4 (Supplement)

OUR MISSION Thousands of Gifts on View

STOCKINGS, TOYS AND GARMENTS

“Christmas is over now,” said Lady. Gay, with a sigh for Christmas pudding, presents, carol-singing, and all the good things of; a week or two ago. ’ “Yes, hut what a Christmas it was,” agreed Mothdr : 'Bunch; .“And what a Christmas Mission. Why, it was the biggest ever. It was—” . ‘lt was a pity the Shipmates and Sunbeams could'not-help.pack and -mix puddings as usual, and that they could not deliver’ the parcels,’'’ sighed Lady Gay. “But next year they’ll be able to take part in everything. -And the Mission itself was marvellous.”

And Lady Gay was right. Our 1936 Christinas Mission was a record one. No fewer than 406 parcels were sent out, and these comprised thousands of gifts. .Grown-ups who visited the display could hardly believe that all the toys, garments and gifts of every kind were the work of Shipmates, Sunbeams and “Press Ship” clubs. Yon shcnld feel very proud, girls and hoys. Lady Gay does! On View Just what was on view? Well, there were long trestles, and glasstopped cases, and here the gifts were displayed. The Gay Chums, Woodend, sent in well over 200 beautifully-knitted garments; the Good Samaritans concentrated t»n gilts for old • people. The Busy Bees; the Pollyanna Club, the Young Crusaders, the Sunshine Club, the* Weka Club, the Happy Knitters, the Busy Bees, the Kiwi Club, the Gaynor Club, the Awaroa Club, the Pickwick Club, the Riverside Club, the— Well, Lady Gay could go on for ever. Each club is asked to send in a club report, and in them we shall learn just what members have

The Happy-Go-Lucky Club,, too, sent stockings, which, were unusually good, fat, and’, well filled. The Young Helpers, the Busy Fingers, and other clubs also contributed to this wonderful Christmas stocking display. • ■ The Christmas Puddings This year, unfortunately, there could be no children’s party at’ the Gas Co’s office, but the .puddings were mixed—73 of them—by mothers and senior Shipmates, who gathered

at the Gas Co.’s rooms, as “Press Ship”, members have always done. In addition to the puddings there were no fewer than 36 iced cakes—fat, plummy cakes—fit for kings. The Distribution There were plenty Of cars for distribution. All the afternoon they went through the city and suburbs leaving interesting-looking packages at. various homes. . It was well past .midnight, however, before Lady Gay and Mother Bunch, with big ,sighs, arrived safely home again. Lady Gay found -she had lost her most expensive smile, and Mother - Bunch -was; three stitches

been doing. The club work was outstanding. There is no doubt that these "Press Ship” clubs are one of, the strongest and most interesting features of our work. Shipmates and Sunbeams Shipmates and Sunbeams, too, sent in thousands of gifts. There were dolls, hundreds of dainty little frocks, ■ knitted garments, aprons. - sweets, woodwork toys, cradles, ’ stuffed toys, aeroplanes and articles of every kind.. Some patient .work- had gone into ■' the making of these gifts. There was nothing’' of the “good enough for the poor” variety. Nothing was too good to send, and this-is the right spirit. Christmas Stockings The Christmas stockings were a feature' of . the Christmas display. There were well over 500 of these. Scab stockings,, too! Yon could not buy stockings such, as these. They were of all colours of the rainbow, and packed to the top with toys, sweets and n-ats. There is no better- present than a well-filled Christmas stocking, and many of those sent in for our Mission were considerately labelled “For a girlfive to seven,” and so on. There were stockings for girls, and stockings for boys, and even a few stockings for big dries. A special tribute here to the Gaynor Club, which made well over 100 stockings. ___■

short in her knitting, , but .why worry about trifles.

“Merry Christmas,” said- Lady Gay. ; “Merry Christmas,” yawned Mother Bunch. . - 'Waltham Orphanage Party Lady Gay, alas, went alone to the : Waltham orphanage . party.

The toys for the Christmas tree had all, as usual, been provided by Shipmates, Sunbeams and 7 “Press Shin” clubs., Four clubs—The Gay Chums Club, Wocdend, , The Busy Bees, Hanmer, the Writers’ Club Fendaltori, and the Golden Blossom Club, Christchurch, provided gifts for the special little girls they, look after. Father Christmas distributed the gifts, and games were played. This is the twelfth party ;■ which Shipmates and Sunbeams have provided for the children of Waltham orphanage. A good record that! Thank You

Lady Gay would like specially to thank the mothers who once again came forward and packed the Christmas parcels, working every day, for a week, from early morning till late at night. She would also like the parents and friends, and the teachers of the various schools to know how much she appreciates the sympathy and help which means so much to the movement.

What star reminds you of a stick?. The pole star. * —Teddy Brown, Cheviot.'*