A COMMITTEE was appointed by the Synod to arrange for the collection and purchase of second-hand clothing, &c., to be sent to Holland for distribution by known Christian ministers and others among the Lord’s people in that country. Whilst the effects of the War were but slightly, if at all, felt by the great majority of our people in Scotland, the whole Dutch nation has had to suffer great trials ever since 1940. In times past they always gave refuge and succour to many of our most godly and notable ministers and others during the time of the Persecution, and it behoves us now—at the time when they are still suffering great privations, to esteem it an honour and privilege to come to their aid.
During the five years of occupation their sufferings were the worst of all those who came under the heel of Hitler in every way. About 200,000 Dutch citizens, including 110,000 Jews, had fallen before German firing squads or perished in the cyanide shower bath of concentration camps, and only 25,000 Jews, out of about 140,000, were left alive. Close on one million had been taken from their homes for forced labour in Germany and elsewhere, and thousands of these have never been heard of again. Their towns suffered severe damage by air-raids, and many square miles of the country were flooded when the dyke at Walchren was bombed by our Air Force in order to flood the country and cut off the German retreat. Hundreds of simple homes and small holdings similar to our own in the Highlands were flooded and completely isolated—the people suffering great loss and privation. In the large towns during the last war month the population was left to starve by the Germans, and the weekly rations were less than one pound of bread and two pounds of potatoes.
The Germans were continually requisitioning all sorts of foods, and took hundreds of thousands of sheets and blankets, as well as all sorts of clothing, so there is now a very great shortage. It is the children, especially, who need our sympathy and help, and there is no limit to their immediate requirements. Hundreds of them, from 7 to 14 years of age, are being sent to this country at the expense of their Queen, for periods ranging from two to four months, and after a period in camps and hostels, under their own teachers, go to stay in private homes throughout this country. Their appearance on arrival shows the sufferings they have endured—in some cases ever since infancy—but the change of scene and associations works wonders on the bairns, and it is nothing unusual to hear them express the wish to stay here always.
The old and infirm folk, on whom the effects of the war have been especially trying, are equally in great need of our assistance, and all sorts of warm clothing will be particularly welcomed.
Only those who have experienced some of the horrors of the war can appreciate the terribleness of the air-raids and invasion and sympathise with the sufferers, whilst those who, in the Providence of the Most High, were preserved in peace and comfort are now given an opportunity to express their thankfulness in a practical manner.
The articles asked for are all kinds of children’s wear, including shoes, particularly; hand-knitted garments of any kind which could be re-made; blankets, sheets, trousers and jackets, overcoats, dresses and underclothing of any size or condition; socks, darning wools, all sorts; reels of cotton, black and white especially; packets of needles—one needle is now in use by many hands; safety pins, old towels, baby powder, any small bits of tape and ribbon: in fact, anything, however small and trifling, is most welcome.
Whilst a liberal contribution of goods is expected, it should be pointed out that financial contributions are most urgently required, and the appeal is made to every one who cannot spare any article to send a contribution, however small, to Mr. Grant, the General Treasurer. It is also an opportunity for the young people of the Church to show their practical sympathy with the suffering “little ones,” by collecting money and materials for the Fund.
We are greatly indebted to a Christian merchant who has offered to purchase second-hand goods for us and, also, to receive, pack in bales and dispatch to Holland everything that will be sent.
Parcels which may be sent by post or rail should have a slip enclosed with the name and address of sender, for acknowledgment, and be addressed as follows:—Mr. R. R. Sinclair, c/o Messrs. Evelings, Ltd., Chapel Street, Luton, Beds.
The need is pressing and urgent as it is desired to have everything delivered before the wintry weather sets in. Luke, vi chap., 38th verse.