The organization was founded in 1919 by Edgar Allen as the National Society for Crippled Children. Allen had previously worked on a campaign to raise funds for a hospital in Elyria, Ohio after his son was killed in a streetcar accident in 1907.
The first Easter "Seals" campaign was launched in the spring of 1934, whereby to show support donors would place seals on envelopes. Their logo, the lily, symbolizing new life and resurrection was adopted in 1952. The name "Easter Seals" was adopted in 1967. However, despite the name, the organization has no religious affiliation.
Easter Seals serves over 1 million disabled persons annually at more than 450 service sites in the United States. There are similar programs in other countries. Some Easter Seals programs in the US are affiliated with Goodwill Industries.
The similarly named Christmas Seals program is associated with the American Lung Association