By Volunteer Erica Viviani
The Bordentown Historical Society hosted a celebration honoring American Red Cross Founder Clara Barton’s 204th birthday at the Clara Barton School House on December 20 in Bordentown, New Jersey. The American Red Cross joined the festivities to offer children’s preparedness education.
Born on December 25, 1821, Barton established the American Red Cross in 1881 following a trip to Geneva, Switzerland where International Red Cross representatives asked her to establish a society in the U.S. because of her notable humanitarian work.
Prior to establishing the American Red Cross, Barton’s humanitarian work was already leaving its mark on New Jersey where she established New Jersey’s first free school in 1852 at the one-room schoolhouse in Bordentown. Within a year enrollment had grown from six to 600 students.
Families had the opportunity to mark the historic occasion by exploring the one-room schoolhouse where children could learn about emergency preparedness with Pedro the Red Cross Preparedness Penguin, pick up Prepare with Pedro activity books, and celebrate Barton’s birthday with cupcakes. Children also toured a Red Cross Emergency Response Vehicle, which served hot cocoa on the chilly winter morning.
Prepare with Pedro is a 30- to 45-minute preparedness education program for children in Kindergarten through third grade that teaches students how to be prepared for and take action during home fires and other disasters. The Red Cross offers a variety of complementary resources, including videos, activity books, games, and songs to help children prepare for disasters. Read the Pedro the Penguin storybooks and watch Pedro learn how to stay safe during emergencies.
Support all the urgent humanitarian needs of the American Red Cross.
Find a drive and schedule a blood donation appointment today.
Your time and talent can make a real difference in people’s lives. Discover the role that's right for you and join us today!
