In 1945, clothing and wastepaper drives were necessary for the World War II defense. Clothing was desperately needed.

President Roosevelt stated that as many war victims had died from exposure and lack of clothing as had died from starvation. This could be solved to a small degree by people on the home front donating their unused clothing which could hopefully save lives or prevent suffering.

It was believed that almost every household in every town had scrap or unused clothing in their closets and attics. The national goal was five pounds of usable clothing from every man, woman and child in the nation.

It was thought Daviess County could reach the goal because it fell in the time when spring house cleaning was being done and unused clothing was being discarded.

In every town in the county there was someone appointed to head the campaign in that particular community. In Gallatin, the collection depot was located at the Red Cross surgical dressing room on the first floor of the courthouse. At a later date, arrangements were made to pick up the heavier bundles. A few of the garments asked to be donated were infant wear, shoes, knit clothes, blankets, etc.

Likewise, waste on unused paper was also needed for war products. Everyone was encouraged to scout around and find the paper products which would be gathered by veterans and boy scouts. A person was to call for a pickup or deliver them to the collecting station themselves. As a result, several truckloads were sent.

— researched, written and presented by Wilbur Bush, Gallatin, MO