In a little Ohio farming community the children of Junior age have many bright plans of work, and one of them is a barrel brigade. That is not what they called it, I think; but the name fits so well that we will let it stand, and I know that many Junior societies will like the plan. Probably some of them are already trying it in one form or another, but for those who have not thought of it here is a new field of usefulness of the kind that brings “that comfortable feeling” both to the workers and to those to whom the barrel is a welcome and sometimes unexpected source of supply.

The particular barrel brigade mentioned meets regularly, either monthly or oftener, on Saturday afternoons, for sewing and other business necessary for their purpose, which is to fill a barrel each year, to be sent to some poor family or families, either near or far, perhaps to some struggling missionary’s household where the little ones are more numerous than the ways of providing for them.

From the materials at their disposal the children prepare and put in all kinds of things that they think will add to the comfort of those receiving them. Take an imaginary peep into one of these barrels, and you will see something like the following array—if you dig deep enough!—warm crocheted mittens, babies’ socks, hoods, and even shawls; children’s clothing, now become too small for some of the rapidly growing first owners; reading-matter of various kinds; a few toys sprinkled in here and there, not always new, but so carefully repaired by the young carpenters, painters, and seamstresses as to look like new or even better; aprons, holders, and dish-towels; bright home-made rugs, cushions, and even a patchwork quilt, for some of the little girls are as fond as were their grandmothers of cutting calico into little pieces for the sake of sewing it together again. Never mind; this is not so foolish as it may seem, for the quilt is warm, most of the pieces were bits left over from gowns, and surely the old-fashioned “quilting-bee” must have been royal fun for the brigade.

When all else is packed, a generous storekeeper usually contributes several pairs of shoes and rubbers, and other small articles, just to “fill in the chinks.” The shoes, of course, are selected, according to sizes previously learned, to fit the different pairs of feet that they are to cover. And, if some larger articles are contributed also, the hearts of the brigade are still further rejoiced.

Any Junior society, whether in city or in country, could have a “barrel brigade,” and with very little expense collect and prepare things so useful and appropriate for the particular family or persons that are to receive them that the practical value would prove worth many times the cost. The barrel’s contents will vary according to the need, and also according to the materials at hand; but it is hardly necessary to say that food, if at all perishable, should not be included if the barrel is to go by freight, as it is likely to be a long time on the way. Clothing, reading-matter, and many other home comforts can be packed and sent with safety.