Projects for Youth

Going Global with Your American Red Cross Chapter
Did you know that when you get involved with the American Red Cross, you become part of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement as well as more than 177 national societies in nearly every country of the world and the Magen David Adom in Israel? And, as part of the Movement, there are lots of opportunities to join young people near and far to carry out humanitarian work.

Whether it's through international relief projects such as preparing school chests or training in international humanitarian law, the Red Cross has many opportunities for young people worldwide to connect with each other. In fact, young people are a vital part of the International Red Cross Movement.

School Chests — A Little Help, A Lot of Appreciation!
For more than 80 years, the American Red Cross School Chest Program has been touching the lives of children who live in disaster-stricken and other emergency areas within the United States and abroad. By providing basic school and recreational supplies for a class of 40 students, the School Chest Program offers a way for America's youth to help other children in need.

Assembling a school chest can be a rewarding project for an entire school or for a single class. It is also an excellent opportunity for scouts or other youth groups to become involved with the Red Cross. Giving school chests teaches young people about caring and providing service to others. Children receiving school chests not only benefit from their contents but also experience the thoughtfulness, interest, and concern of others.

Please contact your local Red Cross chapter to find out how you can send a school chest to children in need overseas. To find out more about American Red Cross projects, country by country, visit our International Services page.