The Print Shop of Theodor Kibbel.
At the beginning of the 20th century, charitable assistance covered a range of social groups in need of help: those affected by wars, the unemployed, the sick, homeless children, the poor, people with disabilities, impoverished students, national minorities, and so on. For this purpose, various charitable societies, aid committees, and boards of trustees were established. Charitable societies and committees operated under municipal authorities, parish communities, and public organizations such as the nobility assembly.
Within charitable institutions, public teahouses, cheap canteens, snack bars, small stalls, shops, shelters, night lodgings, library reading rooms, schools, clubs, legal and intermediary offices, medical stations, and production workshops were opened. There, food and manufactured goods were sold at reduced prices, medical services and legal consultations were provided, and people were taught literacy and trades.
Charitable activities were financed through government subsidies, contributions from public organizations and private individuals, as well as allocations from profits generated by various kinds of economic activity carried out by charitable institutions.
At the same time, a certain share of incoming funds for charity was formed through the sale of charity stamps. Charity stamps served as a kind of receipt confirming a voluntary, non-repayable donation to the charity fund.
Charity stamps were issued in small-denomination "kopeck" values, which made them easy to purchase, while large print runs and widespread distribution ensured steady and sufficiently significant income. The stamps were brightly designed, carried a promotional message, and had a clear intended purpose, allowing donors to contribute money to the specific category of people in need that they preferred.