St. Anne Mother Collects 1.2 Million Pop Tabs for Charity

A mother from St. Anne, Illinois, has mobilized her community to collect an impressive 1.2 million pop-top tabs, equivalent to 917 pounds, in a heartfelt initiative to support families facing medical crises. Ashley Childress, 43, launched this campaign in spring 2023 as a means of expressing her gratitude to the medical team at the University of Chicago Medicine Comer Children’s Hospital, which cared for her son, Jesse Childress, during his early years.

Jesse, now a seventh-grade student, faced significant health challenges following his birth on June 8, 2013. He was diagnosed with Persistent Pulmonary Hypertension of the Newborn (PPHN), a rare condition affecting approximately one in every 500 to 700 newborns. This illness caused a life-threatening scenario, requiring Jesse to spend time in a medically-induced coma and rely on a ventilator. His family, including his father, Mike, benefited from the support of the Ronald McDonald House during this trying period, receiving essential lodging and meals without charge.

Childress recognized the need to give back to the organization that provided her family with critical support. She initially conceived the idea of collecting pop-top tabs a few years ago, but the COVID-19 pandemic hindered her efforts. Once restrictions eased, she reignited the campaign, partnering with the St. Anne Parent-Teacher Organization (PTO) to spread the word. As a result, pop-top tabs began appearing across the village, and soon her home was filled with donations.

On September 28, 2023, Childress delivered an impressive 286 pounds of pop-top tabs to the Ronald McDonald House. A subsequent collection on August 31, 2025, added another 631 pounds, bringing her total to 917 pounds, which translates to over 1 million individual tabs. The aluminum tabs are recycled, with proceeds used to support families in need during their medical crises.

While Childress’s initial focus was on soda can tabs, she has expanded her collection efforts to include tops from beer, water, and soup cans, emphasizing that all contributions are welcome. She is now aiming to collect another million tabs, reflecting her dedication to this cause.

Jesse, who has overcome many challenges, now thrives as a student and is an accomplished guitar player. He is set to perform the Star Spangled Banner before an upcoming football game at St. Anne, continuing to inspire those around him.

“I want to spread the word about this amazing charity,” Childress stated. “My goal is in the next couple of years I will have another 1 million pop tabs.”

For those interested in supporting Childress’s initiative, she can be reached at [email protected]. Her story exemplifies how a simple act of gratitude can create a significant impact, bringing hope and support to families in need.