Clara Barton

Hello. My name is Clara Barton. Even when I was a little girl, my favorite thing to do was help people and animals. If anyone was hurt or felt sad, I wanted to make them feel better. Helping others always made my heart feel warm and happy.

When I was a girl, my big brother David had an accident. He was very, very sick. The doctors were worried. I stayed by his side every single day to take care of him. I gave him his medicine and made sure he was comfy. I did this until he was all better. It made me so happy to see him smile and play again.

When I grew up, there was a big, sad war. Many soldiers were hurt, and they were far away from their homes. I knew I had to help them. I gathered yummy food, warm blankets, and medicine for them. I even drove my wagon right to the battlefield to care for the soldiers. They were so glad to see me. They called me the 'Angel of the Battlefield' because I was there to help.

After the war was over, I still wanted to help people. I thought, what if there is a big storm, or a fire, or a flood? People would need help then, too. So, I had a wonderful idea. I started a special group called the American Red Cross. It was a team of helpers, ready to bring food, warm blankets, and comfort to anyone who needed it, anytime and anywhere.

I lived to be 90 years old. My big idea, the American Red Cross, is still here today, helping people all over the world. It makes me so proud to know that helpers are still looking after people, just like I always wanted to do. It is always a good time to be kind.