HANDS ACROSS THE SEA
starving and the money sent by the Comité Français provided for a substantial distribution of bedding, blankets, warm clothing and boots.
When permission was secured from the French Government to ship consignments of clothing made by the Comforts Forwarding Committees in the United States much joy was felt in France. Five shipments have been sent, a total of 558 cases, containing clothing and comforts of various kinds. It may be of interest to state that among the garments included were bathrobes, shirts, vests, blouses, suits, trousers, for men and boys; chemises, nightgowns, drawers, petticoats, stockings, union suits, dresses, skirts, bonnets, aprons for women and girls; babies' layettes with blankets, bootees, capes, caps, nightdresses, petticoats, sacks, shirts, stockings, diapers, bibs and afghans. Knitted articles including helmets, mittens, shawls, socks, sweaters, caps, wristers, trench caps and many bolts of flannel to be made into new garments were also forwarded in large quantities. We can probably realize only faintly the comfort which such shipments have brought to inhabitants returning to such desolate places as Arras, Bapaume, Béthune, Loos, Lens, etc.
The distribution of the first shipment was made by the wife of one of the French deputies in the department of the Aisne, who exercised the greatest care and wisdom in giving the articles to those who were most needy. The second lot went to the department of the Nord, and the third and fourth to Arras.
The work of the French Committee will continue until no further need of its services is apparent.
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