Throughout history people have come together to help each other in times of need or when problems have arisen.  Sometimes the needs or problems were economic.  The economy is the way people make and use their resources, goods, and services.  An economic need might affect the way products or goods are made or used.

During World War II, an economic need arose.   A national campaign known as the Victory Program was organized in 1942, to collect materials that could be recycled and used for the war effort.  This project was a way that all Americans could show their patriotism and help the armed forces achieve victory.  Collecting and saving for the Victory Program became a popular cause, and everyone united to help.   People worked together because of an economic need, but the companionship they experienced while helping their country often turned their activities in to social events. Social activities are those where people come together to enjoy the friendship of others in the community.

Rubber tires and inner tubes, metal objects, and newspaper, were some of the most sought after resources. Other collectibles were rags, string, cooking grease and fat, and used nylon or silk stockings. Clubs, schools, churches, and community organizations often sponsored activities and “drives” to collect these materials.

Throughout the country, schools instructed children on what materials they should help gather.  Young people became “junior army commandos,” as they scoured their attics, cellars, alleys, and neighborhoods for “scrap.”  Their contributions would then be dropped off at school or other neighborhood collection sites.

The metal collected from scrap metal drives was melted down to make airplanes, ships, guns, and weapons.  Rubber from tires, inner tubes, and shoe soles was recycled to make tires for military vehicles.

Women saved their cooking grease and oil and took it to a collection site. There it would be poured into barrels and sent to rendering plants, where it would be made into fuel oil used in the factories which made weapons and supplies for the war.   They also saved old nylon and silk stockings, which could be made into military parachutes, towropes, and gunpowder bags.

The Victory Program did more than just help to solve an economic problem for the United States during the 1940's. It joined the nation together with social activities and events which helped to raise the spirits of all Americans during troubled times.

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