Pacific Stars &
Stripes, Dec. 1, 1953
SEOUL, Dec. 1- The Fifth Air Force announced yesterday
that it had collected $30,000 and about 100,000 pounds of clothing
in voluntary contributions to its Operation Christmas Call.
In addition, it said it has made arrangements under
the operation to clothe, feed and distribute toys to youngsters from
more than 70 orphanages in South Korea.
The $30,000 came from Fifth Air Force personnel,
while the clothing was donated by individuals and organizations in
the U.S.
Since the full impact of the campaign will not
be reached until next week, it is believed that consolidated gains
at Christmas will overshadow present figures.
The drive got under way in October spearheaded
by individual Fifth Air force units who enlisted the support of friends
in the U.S.
The main effort will be aimed at orphanages, but
some outfits have aided other areas in an effort to provide maximum
support for the poor and destitute at Christmas time.
The 3rd Bomb Wing searched its area for children
of war widows and the 8th Fighter-Bomber Wing marked a leper colony
as one of its main targets for Christmas distributions.
The Korean employees who provide housekeeping support
for Fifth Air Force will also be remembered with practical gifts going
to houseboys, house girls and others.
Many items of practical value will be on the gift
list. The chaplain's fund will provide sewing machines for orphanages,
about 1,500 yards of corduroy from the 4th Fighter-Interceptor Wing
and 4,200 yards of flannel from the 67th Tactical Reconnaissance Wing
will provide many youngsters with winter clothes. Combat Cargo's planes
will help in the operation. Those returning empty from Japan
will carry items that cannot be bought in Korea.
PSS-317
