C.A.R.E. founded

© CARE Ausgabe von Care-Paketen

Since the beginning of the year the supply situation has steadily worsened for the German population. The Germans are enduring real hunger. In the United States  – only a year after the end of the war – this situation initiates a surge of helpfulness. To alleviate the post-war misery in Europe, especially in Germany, the private aid organisation C.A.R.E. (Cooperative for American Remittances to Europe) is founded on 6 June 1946. As early as 14 August the first C.A.R.E. package, replete with food and other goods for daily use, arrives at the home of a family in Berlin. By January 1947 alone, ca. five million of the fiercely coveted packages from the USA and Canada are sent to Germany. They assure the survival of many people and become a symbol par excellence of helpfulness.