Feb. 11, 1955

Yank's Appeal Brings Flood of Donations

HQ., U.S. 7^TH DIV., Korea-A soldier's letter to his mother on behalf of needy Korean children has resulted in a flood of donations from the citizens of Ludington, Mich.  "I have seen kids about five years old die from hunger and cold," wrote PFC William Lange.  "I have seen them begging for food like dogs" and "go to the dump and pick for food."

The soldier, assigned to B Btry., 57^th FA Bn., asked his mother to "please send CARE boxes to Korea-even if it's just a 10-cent can of soup or a pair of socks-but please give and the Lord will bless you for it."  Lange's mother sent the letter to a newspaper in Ludington.  When the letter appeared in the paper, Ludington citizens decided to do something about it.  They formed an association, The Ludington Helping Hand for Korean Children.  Housewives and businessmen made their homes and store collecting points for clothing, food and toys.

Soon after, Mrs. Gerald Heslipen, chairman of the association, wrote Capt. Wilfred C. Oelrich, Lange's battery commander, telling him of the town's response.  She enclosed a photo of 22 boxes being mailed at the local post office.  In addition to the boxes of needed items, the association ordered four large CARE food packages and 95 U.S. Food Surplus Holiday CARE packages.

SSS-574