World War I 100 Years Ago: Oct. 21-27

From The Indianapolis Star, Sunday, October 22, 1916: Indianapolis churches today will participate in the national appeal for financial help to aid the starving and destitute peoples of Armenia and Syria. Yesterday and today were named by President Wilson as the time for the collection of contributions for Armenian and Syrian relief in response to Congressional resolutions. The Indianapolis Chapter of the American Red Cross will see that the funds reach the American Committee for Armenian and Syrian Relief. “Unless relief is extended the ravages of war, pestilence and famine will continue their deadly work unchecked,” said John H. Holliday, treasurer of the local Red Cross chapter. In other cities, house-to-house canvasses are being conducted by women’s clubs. Stereopticon slides and street car placards are also being used to attract public attention to the plight of the Armenians and Syrians.