The Order of the Eastern Star is the largest fraternal organization in the world that welcomes both men and women participants. Founded in 1850, the Minnesota chapter of the Order organized in 1878. One of the main goals of the Order is to be charitable, so in 1917, when the United States entered World War I, the Order created the "Eastern Star Patriotic League." This volunteer group performed many of the same tasks as the Red Cross, such as filling comfort kits for soldiers.