History of the Hawkeye Chapter

Dr. Lillie Arnett founded the Cedar Falls Chapter of the American Red Cross on May 7, 1916. H.B. Cooper founded the Waterloo Chapter on February 15, 1917.

Since that time, what was to become the Hawkeye Chapter - a result of the merging of the Waterloo/Cedar Falls Chapters in 1972 - has produced an enviable record of community service for more than ninety years.

The decades since 1916-1917 have seen many international, national and local disasters, world wars and major regional conflicts. The Hawkeye Chapter has responded quickly, decisively and professionally when called upon to aid victims of disaster, help our armed forces personnel and their families in peace and war, and to provide community support in keeping with the fine traditions of the American Red Cross. The Chapter's relief response efforts have been regional, national and international in scope.

This record has been made possible by the teamwork and expertise of thousands of volunteers past and present combined with effective staff leadership.

As a new century begins, the Hawkeye Chapter maintains a high level of readiness to provide relief services when needed. The Hawkeye Chapter is proud of its history - and equally proud to serve the people in our service area.

Mission

The American Red Cross is a humanitarian organization led by volunteers that provides relief to victims of disasters and helps people prevent, prepare for, and respond to emergencies. It does this through services that are consistent with its Congressional Charter and the Fundamental Principles of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement.