St. Anne Community Rallies to Collect 1.2 Million Pop Tabs

A remarkable act of gratitude has emerged from St. Anne, Illinois, where a local mother has collected over 1.2 million pop tabs, weighing approximately 917 pounds, to support families in medical need. Ashley Childress, 43, initiated this campaign as a heartfelt expression of appreciation for the medical care her son, Jesse, received at the University of Chicago Medicine Comer Children’s Hospital during his early years.

Jesse, now a seventh-grade student, faced life-threatening health challenges after his birth on June 8, 2013. Diagnosed with Persistent Pulmonary Hypertension of the Newborn (PPHN), he required intensive medical intervention, including being placed in a medically-induced coma and supported by a ventilator. PPHN, which affects roughly one in every 500 to 700 newborns, can lead to severe complications if not promptly addressed, particularly in full-term infants like Jesse, who weighed 8 pounds at birth.

The Childress family experienced numerous hardships during Jesse’s early medical battles, often staying at the Ronald McDonald House, which provides lodging and meals at no charge for families with hospitalized children. Grateful for this support, Ashley set out to give back to the organization after the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic subsided.

“I had been trying to find a way to give back,” Ashley said. Her idea to collect pop tabs, which are made of recyclable aluminum, took off in spring 2023. Each tab collected contributes to funding for the Ronald McDonald House, which supports families during medical crises. Once the collection drive gained momentum, Ashley received tabs from various sources, including soda, beer, and even soup cans.

On September 28, 2023, Ashley delivered 286 pounds of pop tabs, followed by another 631 pounds on August 31, 2025. The total of 917 pounds signifies more than 1 million pop tabs, as 789.2 pounds translates to approximately 1 million tabs. Not stopping there, Ashley has set a new goal to collect another million tabs, aiming to further assist families facing similar struggles.

Jesse has thrived despite some ongoing health issues, including hearing difficulties, which he manages with hearing aids. Demonstrating his resilience, he has taken up guitar and will perform the Star Spangled Banner at an upcoming 8-man football game in St. Anne, after previously showcasing his talent at the village’s Pumpkin Festival.

“My goal is in the next couple of years I will have another million pop tabs,” Ashley affirmed. “This is an amazing charity. I want to spread the word about this amazing charity.” Those wishing to contribute to the pop tab collection can reach out to Ashley at [email protected].

The collective efforts of the St. Anne community illustrate a powerful message of hope and gratitude, showcasing how a simple act can make a significant impact on the lives of families in need.