Page:What to do for Uncle Sam; a first book of citizenship (IA whattodoforuncle00bail).pdf/88

84 The orphans would have no one who belonged to them to enjoy Thanksgiving with them.

There is just one comfort that no amount of tax money can buy for Uncle Sam’s dependentsfriends. Boys and girls can try to be friendly to all the public charges of their community.

Parents, and teachers, and ministers will help you with this neighborliness. Playgrounds, and the circus, and your books, and games can be shared with the orphans. The children who are getting better in the hospital wards will enjoy scrap-books, and toys, and plants, and wild flowers in their season. Old people like to be read to, and they enjoy music so much. Your school orchestra, or your chorus, or just a few boys and girls who play the piano or violin well can make a great deal of happiness for the old people. They will enjoy, most of all, though, your thought of them.

Always, in our great cities, there are the poor to be thought of. Perhaps the father has no work, or is ill, or there may be no father and the mother must take his place. Try to remember these boys and girls at Christmas time. They want to be happy just as much as you do, and they ought to have a chance. Parties are often given for them at social settlements, and churches and other organizations distribute gifts in their homes. Sometimes there