Why are we named Easter Seals?

Easter weekend gave me plenty of opportunities to explain to people how an organization that helps people with disabilities and special needs live better lives ended up with the name Easter Seals.

When we started in 1919, we were called the National Society for Crippled Children. But then, eighty years ago, in the spring of 1934, we launched our first Easter “seals” campaign to raise money for our services. The seals were stickers about the same size as postage stamps, and donors placed them on envelopes and letters to show their support.

The public support for the seals campaign was overwhelming. It triggered a nationwide expansion and a swell of grassroots efforts on behalf of people with disabilities, and by 1967 the Easter “seal” was so well recognized that we formally adopted the name. We’ve been “Easter Seals” ever since.

So there you have it.

Be a part of Easter Seals history! Enter our art contest for a chance to have your design as a 2015 Easter Seal.


 

Comments may not reflect Easterseals' policies or positions.


  1. Angela Says:

    MY WONDERFUL, BOYFRIEND, Burke (A K A “MY Burk- E Y BOO BEAR), and HIS WONDERFUL MOTHER, MARGIE , WHO HAS BECOME A VERY DEAR/ GOOD FRIEND IN MY LIFE, ARE VERY VERY VERY VERY VERY VERY SPECIAL BLESSING (S) IN MY LIFE, And VICE VERSE. And THAT IS OF COURSE THE TRUTH, And It Always WILL BE. I LOVE YOU 2 TOO! (PUN Intended!) Ang


  2. kyle richardson Says:

    i do not know if i am at correct website…i am disabled and i need help to move my stuff to storage…so i can go to hospital….i suffered a headinjury a few years ago after being attacked….my living situation is not a good one and i have people harrassing me…i need a disability advo….i have to move fairly quickly…and dont know what to do….do you know of a place where i can get help…i am a emmy nominated artist…and just need to move to a safe christian environment where i can try to start again…i have to at least store this equipment within the next 2 days….please help me….i used to sell easter seals all the time as a child and need help…..thank you verymuch and god bless you….i am in philadelphia…pa