Junior Red Cross: "Our Schools Serve our World"

The American Junior Red Cross was developed as an official organization for young students during World War I as both a means to help with the war effort and also to educate the youth of the nation. The American Junior Red Cross prepared boxes of personal items to send overseas, planted and tended to gardens that aided the America’s food supply and also held fundraisers. In fact, the members of the organization raised over 3 million dollars during WWI alone.

To encourage support from local schools, the Red Cross released a series of posters, including these two from the 1940s. By the time World War II rolled around, membership of the youth organization was pushing 20 million.

Along with service to their country through tangible items, the American Junior Red Cross was known for their educational programs. Disaster relief, public health, and blood donation were some of the many workshops they held.

The American Junior Red Cross has since transitioned into local community clubs and Red Cross school clubs that allow opportunities for leadership development and community service in addition to teaching life-saving skills. 

Learn more about volunteering at redcross.org/volunteer.