Guild Spent $129,370 in 1934 to Aid Blind, Report Discloses

The New York Guild for the Jewish Blind spent $129,370 last year, its twentieth, in aid of the indigent blind, it was reported yesterday at the twenty-first annual meeting held at the Guild’s Home, St. Johns and Crotty avenues, Yonkers. The report includes the activities of its two auxiliaries, the Community Workers and the Vacation Camp and Dormitory. With the exception of an $8,500 subsidy to the Community Workers from the parent body, the auxiliaries raise their own budget of $37,000.

The 923 blind who benefited by these expenditures, received relief ranging in scope from gifts of garments or coal to pensions to maintain their own homes, and complete support at the Guild’s home and workshops in Yonkers.

Among the Guild’s achievements for the year are two cases of restored vision through surgery, one an infant born blind. A third achievement noted in the report is the surgical correction of what had been regarded as a hopeless distortion of vision in a youth in the early twenties.

In addition to these 923 active cases, the Guild has 607 semi-active cases on file, which require occasional assistance. About 3,000 others availed themselves of the social and recreational facilities afforded by the Community Workers Auxiliary.

The annual meeting, open to members and guests, was preceded by a tour of the buildings and workshops, and an exhibit of articles made by the blind.

A short business session was presided over by Former Commissioner of Education I. Montefiore Levy, president. Mr. Levy stressed as the outstanding need of the Guild, adequate fireproof quarters to replace the crowded, wooden structures in present use.

Jerome Lewine, treasurer, reported an operating deficit of $10,663 for the year 1934.