Union Pacific American Red Cross Letter

The activities of our soldiers and sailors at the front and the exigencies of war conditions are demanding that future needs be provided for and to meet these conditions the Red Cross Second War Fund Drive is calling on all patriotic citizens to contribute toward the relief which that organization is especially capable of rendering.

A campaign or drive for the purpose of collecting subscriptions, is to be made throughout the United States beginning May 20th and ending May 27th and the management hopes that every employee of the Union Pacific; bearing in mind the 1800 co-workers who have already been enlisted in the service and are risking their all that we and our children may reap the benefits of their sacrifice, will contribute to their full capability toward the care and comfort of our boys.

Capt. Chas. Wanzer has been selected to inaugurate and carry out the plan of campaign among the employees of the Union Pacific Company and I bespeak for him your hearty co-operation.

This early notice of the coming Red Cross campaign is sent to you so as to avoid the misunderstanding that occurred during the Red Cross Christmas membership campaign of December, 1917—to which you all so promptly responded.

On that occasion many Union Pacific employees subscribed to the local Red Cross Chapters, direct, for which the Company received no credit. I do not doubt but that the employees of the Union Pacific will loyally do their utmost in the coming campaign, but it is desirable that the Government for whom we are all working shall have evidence of our loyalty and for that reason you are requested to make your subscriptions through your own local committees or agents to your Superintendents or Heads of Departments, who will be advised to report same to me here—while at the same time your local committees or agents will turn over your subscription lists and moneys collected, to the Local Red Cross Chapters or Agents, in their respective localities, in order that your contributions may go toward filling the quota of the District in which you reside.

Further information together with campaign posters and appeals as well as full explanation of method of handling will go forward in a few days. It is hoped that in the meanwhile you will consider seriously the forthcoming appeal and make your plans to help to the limit.