GIFTS FOR LEPERS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIX, Issue 21325, 28 October 1932, Page 12

GIFTS FOR LEPERS

SHIPMENT TO MAKOGAI CHRISTMAS APPEAL MADE The annual appeal for Christmas gifts on behalf of the leper patients on Makogai Island is being launched by Mr. 1). L. Thomas, of 14 Domain Road, Mount Albert. Already many consignments have been received from people who liave icmembercd that every year a shipment of comforts and necessaries is sent in time for the Christmas festivities on the. lonely island, where between 600 and 700 pntients from all over (lie Pacific, including several from New Zealand, arc being given treatment. "In view of the. depression, I have diffidence about asking the, public to respond to my appeal," said Mr. Ihomas yesterday, "but I am encouraged to do so by the request of a large number of formef donors who believe that the appeal does a great service. "Jt .is difficult for us in New Zealand lo realise all that this annual gift means," Mr. Thomas added. "Some idea can be gained from the grateful and pathetic letters written by the sisters on the island to thank the people of New Zealand. The arrival of the cases of Christmas gifts is the great event of the year on the island. The gifts arc made to spin out over the whole year, but their arrival at Christmas has taught more than anything else the spirit of Christmas and all that it means." | In order to despatch the gifts to the I island in time for Christmas, all donations I should be in Mr. Thomas' hands before ! tho end of November. Summer clothing, I pipes, tobacco, cigarettes, musical instrui ments, gramophone records, and toys and ! sweets for the. children, are particularly welcome, while cash enables any further suitable gifts to be purchased.