The Saint Paul Sun

COMMUNITY CHEST CHRISTMAS DINNERS TO 3,000 FAMILIES

Three thousand deserving families in St. Paul area will sit down to traditional Christmas dinners Sunday thanks to the generosity of area residents and the Holiday bureau which closes at noon Saturday its 27th season under the direction of Mrs. Fred Wentink. "It has been one of the best seasons we've had," Mrs. Wentink remarked. "The generosity of residents in donating both dinners and toys has been very gratifying." As early as last Monday, Mrs. Wentink reported nearly every family listed in her files had been provided for and with contributions continuing to come in she was assured no deserving person would be forgotten on Christmas. The bureau, Red Feather agency which serves annually as a clearing house for holiday generosity, is this year also providing Christmas gifts for persons on old age assistance. Through the week parents of needy children under 12 years old have been picking up at fire station 15 reconditioned toys which will gladden the hearts of many youngsters Sunday morning. The toys, contributed by residents through the Community Chest's Santa Claus club, were repaired by off-duty fire fighters under the direction of Lawrence Brack. Names of families eligible for holiday assistance are provided by welfare agencies and the bureau seeks to assure that all deserving families are remembered while avoiding duplication in giving.