Public school children in Chicago’s South-Central District collectively raised $263,148.83 through war bonds and stamps. Their impressive contribution was enough to fund 125 jeeps, two pursuit planes, and a motorcycle for the war effort. In recognition of their achievement, an oversized check was presented to Maj. C. Udell Turpin of the Illinois War Bond Sales staff on June 4, 1943.
The remarkable fundraising drive was driven entirely by the children themselves, who saved their spare pennies, organized neighborhood paper drives, and polished shoes to buy war stamps. Their overwhelming success stood as a powerful testament to the deep patriotism and unity shared by American youth working together on the home front.
