Clothing the —

Famine Victims

HERE seems to be
a general impres-
sion that with the
coming of Summer
the need for clothing in
the Russian famine: area
will pass. Unfortunately
that is not the case; in-
deed, it might almost be
said that the contrary is
the case. During the long Winter, owing to the
intense cold, nothing can be done to combat
typhus. It would be difficult to exaggerate the
frightful ravages of this disease. At a moderate
estimate, arrived at by the most careful means,
there were between 20 and 30 million cases of
typhus in Russia during the four years, 19 18—
1921]. Our own Unit in Russia, consisting of
specially picked men and women, furnished with
every possible preventive against the disease,
has not been able to withstand its onslaughts.
Twelve out of our 46 workers have been attacked,
two of whom died. Typhus is a dirt disease, and
the infection is carried by lice. The principal
means of dealing with it is by cleaning the houses,
persons and clothing of the people. ‘In a large
number of cases, ordinary washing is quite un-
availing ; in order to remove the possibility of
infection, the clothing has to be destroyed.
SUMMER SLACKNESS.

From this it will be realised that now is the
time when all those who are working. for the
revival of a decent standard of life in Russia and
Poland should -make a special effort. The coming
of warm weather seems to lead atuttomatically to

 

 

 
a relaxing of effort. It is not unnatural. The
fine weather makes everybody wish to be out of
doors. Summer sports, summer holidavs, summer
slackness—all these operate against strenuous
effort on behalf of people in another land. “Out
of sight’? is apt to mean “out of mind.”

It is our duty to counteract these natural
teridencies by every means in our power. ‘The
need for clothing is literally desperate; there are
many who think it is as important to send clothing
as to send food. Cleanliness is the key to the
problem, and cleanliness is impossible without
large supplies of fresh clothing. One worker,
after a visit to one of the children’s homes in

Russia, wrote as follows :— :

‘“The children’s home was clean. There were 45
children; no sheets, no blankets, mattresses or
pillows, only a few old shubas to cover the sick
children. The clothes were the most miserable
little rags youcanimagine. Weare going tosend
them afew clothes, all we can, and some old linen.
The Home was ordered some time ago to send the
children to Pavlovka. They took thirty and
twenty-five died on the road. You see, they were
underfed and had no proper clothes, so they just
froze.’’

Here is another extract :—

‘“‘Lots of people have no underclothing at all.
Often the only garment they have is dropping to
pieces with age and there is no cotton or thread to
mend it with. We want chemises, children’s and
adults’, boys’ knickers, girls’ dresses and petti-
coats, women’s petticoats and blouses. They like
bright colours—the brightest you can find—
especially orange and red. Also they like things
with little flowers on; small pattern chintzes
would make them very happy, but they would
hate the big scrawly patterns. We use up every
shred of an old cloth. There are three very good
dressmakers here who work all day for us, re-
making, altering and mending.”’

A. Ruth Fry, in her report on hee recent
visit to Russia, wrote :—
‘It is difficult to exaggerate the need for clothes—
every scrap sent out has already been distributed.”
We therefore urge all who can to spare no
endeavour during the coming months in order
that our work may continue uninterrupted.
WAYS AND MEANS OF HELPING.

Although there are certain kinds of clothes
which are most useful, it is safe to say that all
clothing, warm as well as light, can be usefully
employed so long as it is quite clean. It should be
mendedandreadyforuse. Bedlinen,blankets,rugs,
and anything that can be used as such—curtains,
woven tablecloths, etc.—will be most useful.

We hope that the work-parties which have
given such splendid service in the past will not
abate their efforts during the Summer months,
and that new ones will be formed. We offer the
following suggestions to those who are not
experienced in this way of helping.
MATERIALS.

Woollens are most important, but flannelette
—of the least inflammable kind—and durable
cotton goods may also be used. -

Sometimes local tradesmen are willing to
give suitable remnants, wool for knitting, &c.
If necessary, we will supply small quantities of
material and knitting-wool to those who are
unable to provide their own.

KIND OF GARMENTS.

The following are the kinds of garment
most needed :—

For BABIES.—Vests with sleeves, knitted
jackets, flannels, frocks, shawls, babies’
squares, shoes and socks. Not long cotton
robes or petticoats.

For GIRLS AND Boys, ages 4-14.—Chemises,
knickers, petticoats with tops, nightdresses,
shirts, pants, blouses, boots, shoes and
stockings.

For WomEN.—Cotton chemises, petticoats,
nightdresses, knickers, blouses, and dresses.

For MEN.—Shirts, pants, pyjamas, suits,
socks.

THE NEEDS OF HOSPITALS
AND CHILDREN’S HOMES.

Sheets, pillowcases, towels, stockings, bed-
jackets, nightdresses, napkins, old linen for
bandages, &c., surgical dressings.

 
SOAP.

The importance of Soap cannot be over-
emphasised. Disease is spread through lack of
cleanliness, and cleanliness is frequently im-
possible owing to the complete absence of soap.
A local house-to-house collection of soap and
clothing, following a distribution of leaflets, is
often productive of good results. This is a way
in which everybody can help. People only need
to be told of the terrible need: they cannot fail
to respond. Can you not organise a house-to-
house collection in your neighbourhood? We
will help you by supplying leaflets and
information and by every means in our power
if you will write tous. A bar of soap from every
householder would work miracles ‘in reducing
disease. ) a

Our workers in Russia and in Poland are
straining every nerve to deal with one of the
most desperate situations in the history of
Europe. ‘Their work would be ineffective with-
out help from this side. We must not fail them.

Subscriptions may be earmarked ‘‘ Russian Relief,” and sent to the

Tort Frienps’ RELIEF COMMITTEE,
10, Ferrer Lanz, Lonpon, E.C.4.

Bankers: Barclays Bank Ltd.

Manchester : Scotland :
FRANK BRADBEER, Secretary, | GEORGE AITKEN, Secretary,
12, Mount STREET, 190, West GEORGE STREET,
MANCHESTER. GLASGOW.

or may be earmarked “ Friends’ Relief,’’ and sent to

Tue Russian Famine Reiner Founp,
GENERAL BuriLpINGs, ALDWYCH,
Lonpon, W.C.2.

Gifts of clothing and correspondence connected therewith should be
sent to :—
Tor ManacGer, THE WAREHOUSE, .
FRIENDS’ RELIEF COMMITTEE,
5, New Srreer Hit, Lonpon, E.C.4.

The name and address of the sender should appear both inside and
outside the packages.
Tue Friends’ Reier CoMMITrEs is co-operating with ‘THE
Bussran Famine Revier Funp and the Save THE CHILDREN
Funp in the “All-British Appeal” for relief of distress in

Russia. :
10,000.—Muy, 1922. T. P.,CO..Ts,