Manassas
Journal Messenger 1-10-52
Manassas has its own “Bundles for Korea.”
Mrs. John Consolvo ignited the spark
here last week and the bundles of clothing are beginning to roll in
to the Journal Messenger office for consignment to her husband, Captain
Consolvo in Korea, whose company has adopted 35 Korean orphans.
In a letter to his wife written near
the battlefield on Christmas day Captain Consolvo appealed for clothes,
and said:
“It’s 9 p.m. here and should be 7 a.m.
at home. I can picture you, your mother and the children sitting
by the tree opening your presents. This is the hardest day to be
away from home…more than any day in the year.
“Yesterday, Christmas Eve, we had a
tree decorated in our mess hall, and transported 35 orphans over for
a Christmas party. Previously we had sent to Japan and bought 35
sweaters, 35 pairs of socks and a toy for each one of them. All the
men put in their share very graciously and we were fortunate to buy
everything we needed. We gave them our candy, apples and oranges.
“When I walked in I was shocked. The
men opened a hole so I could get to the center of the room and when
I looked around I had tears in my eyes. They were from 2 to 13 years
old and they were in rags. Some of the poor little things were barefooted.
I ordered blankets to wrap around them and asked the Lieutenant in
charge to open gifts immediately so that we could get the sweaters
and socks on the children.
“We sang Christmas Carols for them
and they sang for us. One little boy sang “Jesus Loves Me” and a
group sang “There’s No Place Like Home.” It was a pitiful sight but
they were so happy.
“This Christmas morning I went out
to see where they live. I am unable to describe the place called
a house. Most of the windows were out. There was no furniture, one
latrine outdoors and most of the children were lying on the floor
with ragged blankets on them trying to keep warm.
“I had seen enough…I returned and sent
out scouting parties near our camp. We finally found a big house
that can be repaired just a few blocks from us. Starting tomorrow
morning I will have working parties clean it up, put in windows, build
a sheltered latrine and try to build chairs, tables, etc. As soon
as possible we will move them over here, provide soap and our barber
to help clean them up and keep them clean.
“If you know anyone in Manassas that
will send us old clothes for boys and girls from 2 to 13 years old,
it will be greatly appreciated. I am busy with my Company and have
a Lieutenant in charge of improvements. However I’m never too busy
to think about these poor children, underfed, and with hardly any
clothes. If anyone will send anything, mail it to me and I know the
things will be used for a good purpose. We are going to make the
orphanage our Company project and do everything we can to take care
of them.”
Members of local clubs contacted by
Mrs. Consolvo are each day bringing clothes to this newspaper, which
has agreed to act as receiving center. It is planned to make a shipment
to Captain Consolvo in Korea early next week.
MVA-001
