We are reminded by the passing days that the time for the semiannual offering for the Haskell and James White Homes is close at hand. Only twice in the year do these institutions ask the special attention of our people. For the rest, they go quietly on in their noble work of comforting the afflicted, and answering as best they can the calls from the poor and needy, grateful for the kind remembrances of their friends at the semiannual gathering, and especially so for the loving thoughtfulness with which some have carried the homes on their hearts and in their prayers throughout the year.
THE HASKELL HOME
During the year closing March 1 the Haskell Home has cared for one hundred sixty-four children. Fifty-four were admitted, and as many more found homes in private families, or were returned to friends whose circumstances had so changed that they were able again to provide for them.
At the James White Home the applications for admission came, at one time early in the winter, on an average of one a day, and the appeals for both aged people and children are often pitiful enough to touch the hardest heart. Never since the homes were opened has the strain on both the finances of the homes and the sympathies of those connected with them been greater. The James White Home especially is practically full all the time, since as soon as vacancies occur, they are filled by those whose applications have been long waiting; and the Haskell Home, with a more fluctuating family, has at times had its facilities for caring for the children heavily taxed. Had not homes been offered in families for some of the children who desired admission, many more would have had to be refused.
The managers of these homes wish to express their heartfelt gratitude to the many friends who, by their offerings as well as in other ways, have faithfully stood by the work in the past. This year, with the noble institution which has befriended them in so many ways crippled by its own heavy losses, the work is even more dependent upon what God may send through other sources to carry on this work. The date set for the offerings is April 5, the first Sabbath in the month. Remember these homes and their work.
