Die Welt-Post, Thursday, February 9, 1922
Volga Relief Society
623 Lumbermen's Building
Portland, Oregon
Schuck, Russia (near Husaren and Kamenka)
To the gracious Mrs. Repp and all benefactors of the starving children in Russia:
The representative of the North American Charitable Societies, your husband, Mr. Georg
Repp, visited our colony of Schuck and left all of us, young and old, with grateful
memories. By word and deed he made us who are afflicted by the famine in this year
aware of the many noble minded people across the ocean in far off America. Many
thanks! His message was happy news for us and lifted our spirits like someone wandering
in the desert, near death from thirst, croaking out a last cry for help and having it
answered. Arising after sorrow filled dark nights is a beautiful, cheer filled morning; the
sun shines its bright and warming rays of hope into our hearts and brings us peace. The
spirit draws a deep breath more easily, as in the spring when plants and flowers are
aroused to new life by the refreshment of the thaw, many carry inside them a new hope
for rescue, of the possibility of living on into the future. Our benefactors reach out their
hands to us from America in order to rescue us and keep us from going under. Oh, how
are we to repay then? Receive from the hearts of the children and the grief and worry
filled hearts of their parents, most intimate thanks. We will never forget your generosity
for as long as we live. An in case our gratitude is not enough, we close with the Word of
God: "Whosoever shows pity to the poor has mad a loan unto the Lord, and He will repay
them with interest."
Your forever grateful children of the colony of Schuck, their parents, and Father Adam
Bellends
Gracious Lady:
With his first appearance in our colony, the representative of the American Charitable
Society, Mr. Georg Repp, was well received and gained the complete confidence of the
people. After inquiring whether a Kitchen for hungry children was necessary, he
immediately appointed an auxiliary commission with the duty of careful preparation and
distribution of American alms. 400 children were to be taken care of. The community
immediately sent 8 drivers to Schilling, 60 Versts distant from us, to transport the gifts
being held for us. Accordingly we received all the products and the Kitchen was
immediately opened. All are extremely content. Everyone wants to be taken in by the
American Kitchen. Also, even the largest of the children are completely satisfied with the
portions given them. Thanks to all.
Faithfully,
Father Ad. Bellende
This translation provided courtesy of Hugh Lichtenwald.