Page:What to do for Uncle Sam; a first book of citizenship (IA whattodoforuncle00bail).pdf/112

108 Every day in school many boys and girls receive gifts that would cost a great deal if they were obliged to buy them. In the days of our grandmothers and grandfathers it was necessary to go to the village store to buy slates, readers, spelling books, copy books, and pens. Now there are great supply rooms in connection with many public school systems, especially in the larger cities, that are filled with a store of the things that make school so pleasant a place. There are pads of all kinds and sizes, story books, pencils of lead and in colors, paints, wood for making toys and tools with which to make them, cooking utensils, and even foods to use in learning how to cook.

Many public schools have blocks, dolls, games, balls, and picture books for the kindergarten children. Some schools supply materials for learning such trades as printing, dressmaking, millinery, carpentry, farming, tinsmithing, plumbing, electricity, telegraphy, and even banking to the older boys and girls.

The town has to buy these materials. In some large cities it is necessary to have motor trucks in which to haul school supplies, and fire engines to keep them safe.

If you and the other children will take care of these gifts you will save the Government a great deal of expense.