The 1930s (A Man With A Plan)

In 1937, the second Sino-Japanese War began in Asia as Japan once again invaded China, displacing millions of families and children. Meanwhile, CCFs founder, J. Calvitt Clarke, a Presbyterian minister, was determined to spend his life helping children in need.

Aware of the plight of children in China, Dr. Clarke successfully set up Chinas Children Fund, and it was chartered in Virginia by the fall of 1938. He was determined to help children in China affected by the war, many of whom had become orphaned and displaced.

Clarke had an uncanny ability to raise money for people in distress. In the early beginnings of his work, he had managed to organize the largest collection of used clothing for Armenian refugees.

Expansion in Asia

At the close of WWII, and just seven years after its founding, CCF was sending over $372,000 in sponsorship donations annually to China. By 1946, CCF had extended its assistance to the Philippines and Burma. Dr. Mills was asked to lead CCFs expansion into northern China, Korea and Japan, and eventually CCF began serving children in Malaysia, Indonesia, Borneo and India.

CCF Goes International

In 1960, Christian Children's Fund of Canada was formed as the first official international affiliate of CCF outside the United States. Today, CCF is a member of ChildFund International which is derived from the original 11 international CCF-affiliated organizations.

Africa Joins the Fold

CCF opened its first office in Africa in Nairobi, Kenya, leaving Europe and the Middle East. This was the beginning of a number of programs throughout Africa, including emergency services in times of drought and famine.

By now, CCF was assisting 133,555 children, of whom 88,455 were in orphanages or boarding schools.