Evening Republican, Volume 21, Number 272, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 3 December 1917 — What Can We Do? [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

What Can We Do?

Christmas packets for the soldiers and sailors must be got under “’way at once, and tfiosg to go to France must be ready to start on their journey by the 15th of November. Most of the men will be well remembered by their families, but in order that every man may be sure to receive something, Red Cross chapters will undertake to forward packets, to be distributed among the soldiers providing the packets are made according to their directions. “For wrapping gifts use a khakicolored handkerchief, 27 Inches square, and form the base of the packet by placing on the center of the packet a pad of writing paper about seven by ten inches. Select a variety of articles to an amount not exceeding $1.50, and arrange them on the pad of paper so that the entire package shall be the width of the pad and approximately five or six Inches high. Wrap and tie with onednch red ribbon, and place a Christmas card under the bow of jlbbon. . . . Wrap the parcel again in heavy light brown manilla paper and tie securely with red, green or gilt cord, and use Christmas labels.” Small tin or wooden boxes holding a

half pound' or less will keep dried fruits, candy, fruit cake, fruit crackers, etc., In good shape. These are the things which the soldiers will enjoy most at Christmas time. The Red Cross recommends, among other things, the following presents: Writing paper pad, envelopes, post cards, pencil, books (In paper covers) homemade scrap book, knife, such as boy scouts use, steel mirror, handkerchiefs. neckties, mouth organ, mechanical puzzles, checker board, electric torch, compass, playing cards, and other games, tobacco, pipe and pipe cleaners, watertight match box, chewing gum, sweet chocolate biscuits, fruit crackers, fruit cake, preserved ginger, salted nuts, prunes, figs, dates, raisins, hard candy, chocolate, In tin foil and licorice. No liquids nor articles packed in glass Should be sent In Christmas packages. Instead of sending a quantity of one kind of confection, it is better to provide a variety, packing each one in an oblong tin box holding a quarter of a pound. Fruit cate keeps well —and is about the best choice in cakes, because it keeps fresh so long.