HELP FOR BRITAIN

Evening Star, Issue 23862, 17 April 1941, Page 2

HELP FOR BRITAIN

NOT CONFINED TO WAR MATERIAL AMERICANS AID CITIZENS That help for Britain by America is not being confined to planes, ships, and other war material is Obvious from a four-page bulletin which has been received by a member of our staff from Mr K. A. Auty, president of the United British Societies of Illinois. These sheets _ set out the activities of tho organisation, which has been formed to raise funds and material to send to tho English people who are so valiantly helping to hold the fx-ont line against, the Nazi hordes. Under the heading ‘Press Campaign ; wo read:— “ Under the direction of Mrs Gerhard Foreman, a concerted appeal, by means of full-page advertisements in Chicago papers (cost defrayed by specific contribution) was closely followed by . a State-wide mail campaign. The results to date have been tire raising of nearly 115,000 dollars, with a large increase in gifts of new and used clothing, in the formation of 'knitting and , sewing groups, and in volunteers. The Executive Committee has further State-wide schemes in hand, and it may be that contributions will bo received from residents in ureas with local units. As far as possible units will bo given local credit for these items. The Executive Committee appreciates the fine work done by the units, and begs them to redouble their efforts to increase interest iu tho cause of aiding Britain. Tho slogan of your committee is “ Give to-day, to-morrow may be too late!” Space has been donated on 100 to 200 billboards, in over 1,000 buses and street cars, for a newly-designed poster. There are 10 store window's in the Loop, depicting in a dramatic maimer the need for relief. Mrs Max Epstein lias handed on the operation of this department to Airs Margaret Bissell and committee, who will welcome inquiries from units desiring to arrange for window displays. Although the results of publicity are difficult to measure, your committee feels that the arousing of public interest in and recognition of the British War Belief Society as the main vehicle of relief to the British Isles, is a necessary part'of our work. A radio address over WBBM iu January was responsible for a greatly increasecl flow of clothing, including consignments from Nebraska, Montana, lowa, Ohio, as_ well as from Indiana, AVisconsin, Michigan and Illinois. There are also details in the leaflet of entertainments arranged for purposes of tho fund and a list of the urgent needs of Britain, which.include mobile kitchens, motor ship ambulances to rescue torpedoed sailors round the shores, ami clothing (83 cases of which wore despatched from this branch alone in January). Bins, compacts, Christmas cards, and other articles are on sale, and many other means are being employed for the raising of money for Britain. A statement of accounts shows tho total receipts from all sources for tho month of January to have been 133,363 dollars, a splendid result for one State in a country which is not part of the British Empire and which, so far, is not actually at war.