In 1884, six children from Waterford, Pennsylvania put on a play. They were able to earn $50. They sent the money to the American Red Cross with a letter to Clara Barton, Red Cross founder, to call on the "Little Six" if the Red Cross needs money sometime in the future to help them in their good work. This was the beginning of a tradition of youths contributing funds to the Red Cross in aid of their humanitarian programs. The Junior Red Cross was officially founded in 1917 and became partners with the Red Cross ever since.