The Mercy Auxiliary is our humble predecessor.  It was a group of 13 women who sewed for patients of Mercy Hospital.  Part of their fundraising support helped pay for playground equipment for crippled children, many of whom were unable to afford the 93 cents per day cost of hospitalization.  And so, it was captioned in the KC Star, “Society will dance, so children may play.”

The Auxiliary also helped establish and support a unique new concept for the times, the Out Department at Mercy Hospital. In this, a visiting nurse, Anna Anderson, made her way through uncharted parts of the city to care for children recovering from typhoid, mothers with ailing babies, and others who needed follow-up care.  The Mercy Auxiliary paid her salary and for the upkeep of her car. This marked the beginning of CRA’s dedication to supporting nurses.

In 1922, the women of the Mercy Auxiliary were informed that their services were no longer required.  These experienced women knew they were making a difference, they understood the need for health education for children and families, so they reorganized and founded what we know as Children’s Relief Association. 

On April 1, 1922 CRA opened a direct welfare bureau. Volunteers held the little ones in their arms, and shared motherly advice with young, needy parents as they weighed and measured their babies. CRA members dedicated themselves to this valuable care for the next 48 years.

In 1949, our leaders put forth a petition for the incorporation of CRA.  This defining moment validated and guaranteed an enduring legacy for our Association.

In 1970, CRA’s services at the Well Baby Centers were terminated.  Again, the leadership reconsidered their purpose, being advocatesfor children.  They contacted Dr. Ned Smull, director at CM, who presented several volunteer opportunities. 

After 50-years of providing services at a variety of health care domains, such as the Kansas City Federation of Child Health Centers, CRA returned to the newly rebuilt Children’s Mercy Hospital, serving in several different departments, and continuing to help with fundraising.

Gradually, volunteers focused their service in the Gift Shop, working side-by-side with Bea Collins, who was hired as manager in 1983.  

“Friends of Children’s Mercy,” an umbrella organization of CM auxiliaries, including CRA, was established in 1990. It was around this time that the hospital proposed that CRA assume responsibility for the management and operation of the Gift and Snack Shops, and the rest as they say, is history.  Proceeds from the shop's sales were dedicated to various areas in the hospital, a practice that continues in present day.  

Under Debbie Kerr’s leadership as Director of Gift Shop Operations, the new, vibrant Gift Shop opened its doors in 2015.  Her dynamic leadership and innovative vision are perhaps best summed up in a conversation with the late Shawsie Branton. She said, “Shawsie, I hope to make this Gift Shop a million-dollar business one day.” CRA is proud to say that they helped Debbie, her friend and Gift Shop manager Jennifer DiCarlo - and their team - not only realize, but exceed this goal!  

Recently, CRA was honored to be one of the first significant donors for the new Research Institute.  And, with membersupport, CRA established an Endowed Nursing Scholarship in honor of Dr. Rand O’Donnell upon his retirement. It is staggering to note that through the Gift and Snack shop, CRA has contributed over $4,000,000 to benefit Children’s Mercy Hospital.

Throughout the years, Children’s Relief Association has been made up of women with unyielding determination, who advocate for children and families. As we move forward, we pledge to claim the ideals of our founders, recognize the changing needs in our community, and remain committed to the physical and emotional well-being of all children.