With the evacuation of Greece by the Germans in 1944, the Greek War Relief went into high gear. A meeting was held in New York for the purpose of raising money. George Skouras initiated the idea that the Greek-Americans of this country should, in addition to other things, send mules to Greece. The mules were greatly needed because the Germans and Italians had requisitioned all the available work animals for use in the war. The farmers were left without any means to till their soil. The mules would cost about $200 each and they could be shipped directly from this country.

It was an inspired idea. A mule to a Greek farmer was the equivalent of a tractor. Whereas it takes gas and money to operate a tractor, a mule is practically self-sustaining. Just turn it loose in the fields and it will feed itself. In addition, it could be used to ride to and from the fields as well as to plough them. It could also be used to take produce to market and to carry home the necessities of life. Arrangements were made with UNRRA (United Nations Relief and Rehabilitation Association) through George Xanthakis, managing officer of the Greek War Relief in New York, to obtain mules. Funds were raised and thousands of mules were shipped to Greece. Individuals in this country could also buy mules through UNRRA and have them shipped directly to relatives in Greece. It was the best help that could have been extended to the farmers in Greece.

As mentioned above, even though the Germans had withdrawn, they left the country destitute. The people were starving. At a meeting at the St. Moritz Hotel in New York, this problem was discussed. A number of people spoke of shipping food from here, but the committee couldn't seem to agree on what action to take. The drive was stalling. Charles Skouras asked to speak. Once again he stole the show and saved the day.

He said, "The Greeks have no food for themselves or for their animals. All they have left is their history and the Parthenon. Why not petition the American Government to cede to them a small part of the Western States?. We could give them either Arizona or Nevada and move them all here. It would cost us less money and they would be happier. They would be away from that section of the world where they have to fight off an invader every few years." This type of talk was just what we needed. Everyone understood what he meant and it enthused us all. The drive picked up steam and got going again.