Celebrate America with acts of kindness

Right before the Fourth of July in 1944 President Franklin D. Roosevelt praised Americans for lending a “neighborly and sympathetic hand” to those in need.

In a letter published by newspapers Roosevelt wrote about the National War Fund. Americans donated to this fund to give aid at home and overseas during World War II. Roosevelt called this charitable giving “one more essential step on the road to victory and peace.”

As we celebrate America’s birthday let’s remember this inspiring generosity, because it did change the world. For while America was fighting in Europe and Asia, the National War Fund was doing its part.

Whether helping an injured service member upon returning home or sending food to a starving family in Europe, the National War Fund was American kindness in action. Roosevelt, in a radio address later in 1944, said “Through a single gift to this united appeal we are able to extend the hand of friendship to millions of people at home and around the world — to perform millions of acts of kindness.”

In 1944 as the war intensified with the D-Day invasion and fighting all over the globe, increased humanitarian needs were expected. The American people mobilized through the National War Fund which benefited charities that provided relief overseas.

“We are aware that the war is entering its severest phase. During this year of decision, the oppressed peoples of lands to be liberated will need our help more than ever as the invasion smashes the enemy back. Indeed the programs of many of our member agencies are geared to anticipate the needs of the invasion” wrote the War Fund’s New York director, Richard Lawrence, in June, 1944

American Relief for France was one of the charities in the National War Fund that received these donations.

According to the Christian Science Monitor “American Relief for France helped meet the food problem by sending cereals and dried fruits to augment the scanty diet. In the Mediterranean Region, where there was a serious need among adolescents, feeding programs based on a careful balance of nutritional values were set up in schools.”

Other beneficiaries from the National War Fund were school children in Norway, who were living under German occupation. A grant was announced in October, 1944 for a school milk program for malnourished Norwegian kids. American Relief for Norway carried out this school feeding and later in 1944-45 would provide food and clothing for displaced families from Finnmark.

American Relief for Italy, Yugoslav Relief Fund and Polish War Relief were among the other charities that were supported by donations through the National War Fund.

So as we face daunting emergencies around the globe today like Gaza, Sudan and Ukraine let's remember the power of the National War Fund. Everyone’s generosity can feed the hungry and build peace.

Acts of kindness can make a powerful difference in the world. The National War Fund is heroic proof. We can come to the aid of the hungry and poor if we have the will and spirit.

William Lambers is an author who partnered with the U.N. World Food Program on the book “Ending World Hunger.”