This Day in History: Bundle Day For Near East Relief

Back in 1924 the Port Jefferson Echo ran an announcement by Roscoe C. Craft who was chairman of Near East Relief Bundle Day on June 2, a day when residents could drop off their old clothing to donate to refugees in Asia Minor.

Back in the early 20th century, an organization called Near East Relief (now called the Near East Foundation) formed in New York City to help victims of the Armenian genocide. Newspapers were filled with calls to help, including one from the First Lady of the United States, Florence Harding.

“June 2 is Near East Relief Bundle Day,” wrote Craft. “These old garments for which we have no further use, may be the means of saving lives in the Near East during the next winter’s bitter weather.”  He implored the people of Port Jefferson that it was “wise in the rush of this busy life” that by donating it would “take an occasion toward the Kingdom of Heaven.”

A previous article in The Echo on May 24 stated that Bundle Day was being held at the Community House, Port Jefferson on June 2. The description given of the people was of a people “shivering and chattering in the bleak winds and driving snowstorms.”

“It only takes about one cent a pound to send clothing to the whip wharf,” wrote Craft. “Therefore will each contributor leave a little change with Mrs. Skidmore for transportation?”

Image of the Port Jefferson Echo building came from the Ken Brady Collection in the historical photo archive gallery on the Port Jefferson village's official website. See more historical photos and learn more about Port Jefferson village history here.