Founded in 1863 in Switzerland, the International Red Cross has been reaching out to help others and relieve human suffering century after century. In 1881, Clara Barton founded the American Red Cross, providing war and disaster relief service to those in need.

On September 3, 2008, Mayor Nutter was joined by a contingent of City officials, Tom Foley of the American Red Cross SEPA Chapter, Target representatives, Ready campaign sponsors and partners, and members of the Red Cross Clubs at the Target Department Store on City Avenue to kick off a month-long series of community-based Preparedness events and workshops to be held throughout Philadelphia for National Preparedness Month.

Mayor Nutter and Tom Foley presented certificates to high-school aged members of the Red Cross Clubs for leading the planning efforts of a Youth Disaster Camp for 29 youth from the surrounding community.