Second-Hand Clothing

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Washington, D. C. · Nov 19, 1903

Second-Hand Clothing

THERE is always much suffering among the colored people for the want of proper clothing for the winter. It is a mistake to suppose that there is no cold weather in the South. There are many very cold days. In the open cabins of the “black belt” it is sometimes difficult to keep from freezing. During one winter in Mississippi we knew of several who actually froze to death.

In no way can our workers in the South so readily reach these people, and break down prejudice, as by Christian Help work when they are suffering. We have known the distribution of a few barrels of clothing among the needy to break down the prejudices of a whole neighborhood.

Our Saviour “went about doing good,” and it is from this standpoint we should labor. We have a company of earnest Christian workers in different parts of the South. Their hearts are touched as they see the great need of the people for whom they are laboring. A little aid at the right time would not only relieve suffering, but it would open the doors to the teacher and Bible worker.

One hundred barrels of useful second-hand clothing, boots, shoes, hats, etc., can be used this year to wonderful advantage in the several districts where our workers are now located.

Will the churches in the North organize bands to canvass their neighborhoods for serviceable second-hand clothing?

Do not ship anything until you first write to the Southern Missionary Society for particulars.

Some of the goods will be needed at one point, and some at another. Full instructions and printed shipping tags will be sent on application. In writing, please state the nature of the goods, and whether packed in barrels, boxes, or sacks. Barrels are the best.

Prepay the freight. The relief of these suffering people is a work in which all should be interested. The freight charges on a barrel or two from a church is not a serious expense. But the charges on fifty or a hundred would be more than the Society could carry with its other burdens. Hence it will be necessary that all freight charges be prepaid. We repeat, Please do not ship anything until you have written for particulars to the Southern Missionary Society, Nashville, Tenn., Station K.