“You can get a list of names of poor children at the Bureau of Charity,” said Uncle Ben.
“That only records names of families who will apply for assistance; but the ones like the Ferris family, never are heard from in this way. Those are the children we want,” said Mrs. Talmage.
“When I return to the city I will see if there is any way of getting a list like you want. As for institutions—you can find all of the asylums and homes in the New York Directory. From them you can select numbers of crippled or sick children,” suggested Uncle Ben.
“Ben, do you believe circulars are a good means of letting people know what you want?” asked Mrs. Talmage.
“I can’t say that I do. In my experience I have found that a circular letter meets the same end as an undesirable advertisement. Most of them are thrown into the waste basket.”
“We need philanthropic women to help us next summer. Mrs. Starr offered me her woods at Oakwood if her family goes to Maine, and Mrs. Catlin wishes to rent the Mason farm for children. So now, with Happy Hills on our list, we will need just the right kind who will love the work with us,” said Mrs. Talmage.
“Better send someone to visit the women you hear about,” advised Mr. Talmage.
“But I need to find the women first,” returned Mrs. Talmage, plaintively.
“What’s the matter with the Chirp? Can’t we print a story in that and mail it to a list of folks in New York?” asked Ned.
“That sounds good to me! I should say the Chirp would do the work better than a letter or circular,” said Uncle Ben.