The American Red Cross, officially known as the American National Red Cross, is a humanitarian organization that provides emergency assistance, disaster relief, and disaster preparedness education in the United States. It was established on May 21, 1881, by Clara Barton and Adolphus Solomons in Washington, D.C., inspired by the Swiss-based International Red Cross. The organization is part of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, and it adheres to the principles of neutrality and impartiality to prevent and alleviate human suffering without discrimination. The American Red Cross is renowned for its blood donation drives, being one of the largest single suppliers of blood and blood products in the U.S. It also excels in providing disaster relief services, supporting military families, offering health and safety training and education, and international services. Did You Know? Clara Barton, the founder of the American Red Cross, was nicknamed "the Angel of the Battle...

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United Way Worldwide is a non-profit organization that has made a significant impact on communities across the globe. Founded in 1887 in Denver, Colorado, United Way has grown to become one of the world's largest charitable organizations, focusing on solving pressing community issues through partnerships with schools, governments, businesses, organized labor, financial institutions, community development corporations, voluntary and neighborhood associations, and the faith community. United Way Worldwide operates in more than 40 countries and territories, raising funds to support local communities and addressing key social issues such as education, financial stability, and health. The organization's unique approach involves mobilizing millions of volunteers and conducting widespread fundraising campaigns, often through workplace giving programs. Did You Know? United Way Worldwide was originally called the "Charity Organization Society" and was formed to coordinate the efforts of lo...

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The Young Men's Christian Association, commonly known as the YMCA or simply the Y, is a worldwide organization with a rich history that dates back to its founding in 1844 in London, England, by Sir George Williams. Born out of a desire to offer a safe haven and support system for young men moving to the city, the YMCA has grown into a global entity that operates in 120 countries, serving more than 64 million people annually. Originally established to promote Christian values through developing a healthy "body, mind, and spirit," the YMCA's mission has evolved over the years to focus more broadly on youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. This evolution has seen the organization become inclusive and supportive of people from all backgrounds, beliefs, and ages. The YMCA is renowned for its community-centric approach, offering a wide range of programs that cater to the needs of the communities they serve. These programs include child care, fitness and wellness i...

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Founded in 1860, the Boys & Girls Clubs of America is a national organization based in the United States, dedicated to enabling all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens. With its headquarters in Atlanta, Georgia, BGCA provides a safe, structured, and supportive environment for children and teenagers across the country. Did You Know? The organization initially started as the Boys Club by three women in Hartford, Connecticut, aiming to provide a positive alternative for boys who roamed the streets. It wasn't until 1990 that the name was changed to Boys & Girls Clubs of America to recognize the inclusion of girls in the program. BGCA operates over 4,300 clubs throughout the United States and on U.S. military installations worldwide, serving nearly 4 million young people annually. These clubs offer a wide range of programs that promote education, health, leadership, and life skills. One of the hallma...

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Habitat for Humanity International, commonly referred to as Habitat for Humanity or simply Habitat, is a global nonprofit organization that was founded in 1976. Its mission is to build simple, decent, and affordable housing in partnership with people in need. The organization was started by Millard and Linda Fuller in Americus, Georgia, USA, with the vision of eliminating poverty housing and homelessness from the world, and to make decent shelter a matter of conscience and action. Habitat for Humanity works by engaging volunteers and future homeowners in the construction of homes, under the guidance of skilled labor. Once completed, these homes are sold to partner families at no profit and financed with affordable, no-interest loans. The homeowners' monthly mortgage payments are used to fund the construction of more Habitat houses. The organization has grown exponentially since its inception and now operates in all 50 states of the USA and in more than 70 countries around the worl...

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Big Brothers Big Sisters of America is a renowned non-profit organization dedicated to fostering meaningful mentorship relationships between adult volunteers ("Bigs") and children ("Littles"), aiming to support the youth in achieving their full potential. Established in 1904 by businessman Irvin F. Westheimer in Cincinnati, Ohio, the organization has grown to become one of the oldest and largest youth mentoring bodies in the United States. The core mission of Big Brothers Big Sisters of America is to provide children facing adversity with strong and enduring, professionally supported one-to-one relationships that change their lives for the better, forever. The organization operates through approximately 300 agencies across the country, serving nearly 250,000 children annually. Did You Know? - The concept for Big Brothers Big Sisters of America was inspired when founder Irvin F. Westheimer encountered a young boy rummaging through a garbage can for food, leading him to realize the...

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The Girl Scouts of the USA (GSUSA) is a prominent youth organization in the United States dedicated to empowering girls and helping them develop leadership skills through various activities, including camping, community service, and learning first aid. Founded by Juliette Gordon Low in 1912 in Savannah, Georgia, the organization has grown significantly from its initial 18 members to millions of members nationwide, making it one of the largest and most influential organizations for girls in the country. GSUSA is known for its iconic Girl Scout Cookies program, which began in 1917 when a troop in Muskogee, Oklahoma, baked cookies and sold them in their high school's cafeteria as a service project. Today, the cookie program is a major annual fundraiser that supports troop activities and community projects, with popular flavors like Thin Mints and Samoas/Caramel deLites. Did You Know? Juliette Gordon Low, affectionately known as "Daisy" by her friends and family, sold her valuable pea...

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The National Council of YMCAs of the USA, commonly known as the YMCA or "the Y" in the United States, is a pivotal organization in the realm of community service and development. Founded on June 6, 1844, in London, England, by Sir George Williams, the YMCA made its way to Boston, Massachusetts, in 1851, marking the beginning of its profound impact on American society. The organization's mission is centered around the holistic development of individuals—focusing on nurturing the potential of kids, promoting healthy living, and fostering a sense of social responsibility. The YMCA in the USA has evolved significantly over the years, now operating over 2,700 locations nationwide. It serves all demographics, offering programs that range from early learning classes for children to fitness programs for seniors, making it one of the largest community service organizations in the country. The Y's inclusive approach ensures that its programs are accessible to everyone, regardless of age, inc...

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Feeding America is a United States-based nonprofit organization that operates a nationwide network of more than 200 food banks and 60,000 food pantries and meal programs. Founded in 1979 as Second Harvest, the organization rebranded to Feeding America in 2008 to better reflect its mission of feeding America's hungry through a nationwide network of member food banks and engaging the country in the fight to end hunger. Feeding America is the largest hunger relief organization in the United States, providing assistance to approximately 40 million Americans annually, including 12 million children and 7 million seniors. The organization works to increase food security among the populations it serves, while also seeking to educate the public and policymakers about hunger and food insecurity issues in the United States. Did You Know? Feeding America not only focuses on food distribution but also emphasizes the importance of nutritious food. It has initiatives to rescue surplus fresh prod...

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The Salvation Army is an international charitable organization and Protestant Christian church known for its extensive philanthropic efforts and community service. Founded in 1865 by William and Catherine Booth in London, England, it initially aimed to bring salvation to the poor, destitute, and hungry by meeting both their physical and spiritual needs. It has since grown into a global movement, operating in 131 countries as of 2023. The organization's distinctive military structure, including its use of military ranks for its officers and the term "Army" in its name, underscores its commitment to fighting against social injustices and offering aid. Its members are widely recognized by their signature red kettles and bell-ringing volunteers during the holiday season, a tradition that started in 1891 in San Francisco to fund Christmas dinners for the needy. Did You Know? The Salvation Army was among the first to provide women with equal opportunities for leadership roles, reflectin...

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