Near East Relief pioneered the idea that all Americans, regardless of age, income or background, could help people in need. From community groups to children - anyone could help by donating time or expertise. Before this, philanthropy was the domain of wealthy people who could afford to make large gifts.
The new medium of film had produced a completely new phenomenon: the movie star. Popular silent film actors used their fame to publicize Near East Relief’s important work. Stars participated in Bundle Days by donating old clothes and collected canned food as the price of admission to special film screenings.
Near East Relief created vibrant campaign materials to grasp the nation’s attention. Designed by some of America’s top artists, the posters and postcards were decorated with bright colors, captivating images, and memorable slogans.
Young Esther Razon was living in a Jewish orphanage in Constantinople when she was selected to play the main role in Near East Relief’s 1921 film Alice in Hungerland. The silent film tells the story of an American child who stows away to Constantinople to visit her father, a Near East Relief worker.
Orphans and adult refugees arrived at Near East Relief stations dressed in scavenged rags. In the States, local volunteers organized daylong campaigns to gather used clothing for shipment overseas. Bundle Day volunteers gathered sacks of sturdy clothing and shoes, which were then sorted based on gender and age. “The Bigger Your Heart, the Bigger the Bundle” was a popular Bundle Day slogan.
Beginning in 1923, Near East Relief urges families across the nation to eat a simple orphanage-style meal on the first Sunday in December. They are then asked to donate the difference between the orphanage-style meal and a normal Sunday dinner to Near East Relief. Several U.S. presidents issue proclamations and endorsements for Golden Rule Sunday, including President Calvin Coolidge.
Child movie star Jackie Coogan promoted donating cans of Borden's Eagle condensed milk which provided the nutrition of milk without the need for refrigeration.
Well-known American businesses like Heinz and Campbell’s donated goods and services for direct relief efforts. Non-perishable foods like condensed milk, canned soup, and cocoa powder were dietary staples for orphans and refugees.
Near East Relief began producing the New Near East magazine in 1919 as a way to keep donors informed of developments overseas. The stories featured firsthand accounts from the field, including profiles of relief workers. Although publication was not always regular, the New Near East ran through 1927.
At just nine years old, silent film actor Jackie Coogan became the original celebrity humanitarian. In 1924, the child star traveled across the country to raise one million dollars for Near East Relief.
Aurora Mardiganian was the first Genocide survivor to receive widespread attention in the United States. Published by the American Committee for Relief in the Near East (later called Near East Relief) in 1918, Aurora’s bestselling autobiography introduced thousands of Americans to one girl’s heartbreaking story of survival.
