Don't Forget Injured Vets at Oteen, Kenilworth Hospitals This Christmas, Dec. 13, 1920

Christmas is almost here and the canteen calls upon the people of Hickory for assistance in making the season as glad and happy as possible for the men in the P.H.S. hospitals at Oteen and Kenilworth, confident in the light of former experience that no one will turn town their appeal. Our men marched off to uphold in Europe, not only the prestige of our flag but the safety of our shores, and everybody was enthusiastic, open hearted and open handed. However, since their return an attitude of indifference has fallen upon us. We forget that these men who came back to us as crippled and ill, cruelly handicapped in their careers, are still paying the price of the glory which is ours; and they are doing it cheerfully. Let us not add the bitterness of neglect to their wretched existence. Each ward will have an Xmas tree, a lady of Asheville will contribute them, but the decorations of these trees will be left for others to do. Hickory canteen will undertake to trim those in wards 18 and 14, and to hat end they ask contributions of decorations of tinsel and toys, candles, etc. In many homes there may be toys, etc., which the children of the household have outgrown. These will be gratefully received. Also for stockings they ask handkerchiefs, pocket knives, scissors, pens, safety-razors, hot water bags and foot warmers (woolen bed slippers). These are greatly needed, as nearly all complain of suffering with cold at night, when all windows and doors are opened wide. Caps and sweaters too are necessary. These things and any other articles which may suggest themselves to you, with cakes, candy, nuts and fruit are desired. Please send contributions to any one of the following ladies: Mesdames K.C. Menzies, Geo. Yoder, G.N. Hutton, W.L. Abernethy, Misses Gertrude Finger, Frances Field and M.E. Geitner. (From the front page of the Hickory Daily Record, Dec. 13, 1920)