War Effort Contributions

Deaf people could not serve in the military, but like other civilians contributed on the homefront. They made blankets, packaged bandages, raised funds, and gave blood. Volunteers knit scarves, socks, and sweaters. Deaf Americans also attended rallies to support U.S. soldiers, helped paper drives, and donated canned food and scrap metal.

Three women posing together holding a quilt in front of a car. Behind them is a partial view of a building with a sign "Red Cross West Hartford Headquarters - Hartford Chapter."

Students from the American School for the Deaf in West Hartford, Connecticut display a coverlet they are donating to the Hartford Chapter of the Red Cross.

American School for the Deaf

Students in Red Cross uniforms packaging bandages at two tables.

During World War I students at Gallaudet College formed a Red Cross Auxiliary. They cut, wrapped, and packaged bandages.

Gallaudet University Archives

The National Association of the Deaf raised $7,771 to purchase three Red Cross clubmobiles.

National Association of the Deaf

A car full of children, with an adult man driving.

Students from the New York School for the Deaf at White Plains pose with a soldier in this 1944 photograph. The school participated in the U.S. Treasury Department's "Schools at War" campaign.

From the collection of Robert J. Allen (pictured next to driver) and courtesy of Dr. Barbara M. Kannapell