CHAPTER III. TOWNSHIP POOR RELIEF IN COUNTY H. 
The poor people of County H. have in the past been un- 
usually well cared for. In addition to the relief administered 
by the township trustees, a Charity Organization Society has 
been in continuous existence for something like 18 years; 
a Public Health Association thru its visiting nurse has for 4 
years cared for the destitute sick in the county seat and for 
a few cases in the outlying districts in the county; students 
of social problems have done practical work under the direc- 
tion of the efficient secretary of the Charity Organization 
Society; and under her leadership, many volunteer workers 
have for years carried on constructive work along with the 
mere giving of material aid. 
The Charity Organization Society has for 18 years been 
directed by one woman who has devoted her time and energy 
for the love of the work, with no remuneration beyond that 
of knowing that her work is well done. Thru her hands has 
passed an inestimable amount of money, provisions, fuel, and 
clothing given her for distribution among the needy. The 
books of the organization do not begin to show the value of 
the relief given, as the greater part of it has been of such a 
nature that it is impossible to place a monetary value upon 
it. Besides the money given, a large amount of clothing has 
been donated. Much of this has been worn, is perhaps a little 
soiled, but is usually of good quality. Its worth is not known 
in dollars and cents, but it is probably worth more to the 
receiver than all other forms of relief. 
The aid given by this organization is far more valuable 
than that given by the township in that the former agency 
accompanies its gifts with a personal touch which is not pres- 
ent in the case of the latter. The secretary has 3 or 4 volun- 
teer assistants who have been faithful to the work for at 
least 10 years, besides the usual number of ardent enthusiasts 
whose interest in the work is short-lived, and with the aid 
of these she investigates every call for help and not only 
supplies the immediate want but stays on the job until that 
family is in proper condition to help itself. Under her direc- 
tion an attempt has been made to educate the improvident 
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