During World War I, the American Red Cross mobilized relief efforts for soldiers and their families. Over in the war zone, Red Cross volunteers aided in the care and transport of sick and wounded soldiers and civilians, organized recreational programs at military bases and camps, and provided soldiers with snacks and entertainment items through their "canteen service."

Here in North Carolina, Red Cross chapters organized in most counties in the state. Volunteers raised money, produced bandages and surgical dressings, organized Christmas gift programs, and offered canteen services to soldiers traveling along the rails. During the influenza pandemic of 1918-1919, they delivered meals to families affected by the virus and served more or less as ambulances, conveying the sickest patients from their homes to hospital facilities for care.