Life — November 6, 1931 — page 4: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# Analysis This is **not a cartoon page**, but rather a public service announcement/appeal document dated November 6, 1931. The page urges Americans to donate to unemployment relief between October 19 and November 25. It's signed by **Walter S. Gifford** (President's Organization on Unemployment Relief) and appears to include another signature from the Committee on Mobilization of Relief Resources. **Historical context**: This dates to the **Great Depression**. The appeal emphasizes charitable giving will "banish fear of cold and hunger" and "help end the depression." It reflects early Depression-era reliance on **private charitable fundraising** rather than government programs—a policy approach that would soon prove inadequate, leading to New Deal programs. The religious language ("spiritual experience," "bless yourself") reflects how charitable giving was framed morally during this period.