Salvation Army
Salvation Army Workers Play Prominent Role in Aiding Poor
"Captain and Mrs. Malcolm Keene of the local Salvation Army have been playing a prominent role in making this Christmas a happy one for hundreds of poor. They have co-operated with the club women who are staging the community Christmas tree and in addition, provided dinners for many.
"Baker Arcade, at the northwest corner of the square, was the mecca yesterday afternoon of the heads of more than 400 needy Springfield families, who were each presented by the Salvation Army with a basket containing a chicken, vegetables, bread, fruits, candy, coffee and articles of new clothing. A large crowd of the curious viewed the spectacle.
"Money for the more than $1,200 worth of merchandise the baskets contained was raised in part by the Christmas kettles place on the square for the last three weeks, and in part by direct donations to the post.
"Distribution of the baskets was directed by Captain M. Keene, head of the post and his wife, assisted by the corps members.
"In addition to those who received the baskets at the square, many other families were given baskets yesterday by private individuals. These families were turned over to others by the Salvation Army, which had all it could do to take care of those aided on the square.
"The total amount realized through the kettle was less the $600, Captain Keene said, and part of the expense must be taken from the regular budget of the Salvation Army."
Springfield Republican, December 24, 1922.
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