and concerts to raise money for the war effort. Local schoolchildren sang songs, performed plays and recited patriotic poems, and displayed their expertise in flag and military drills. Children found increasingly inventive ways to raise money for a range of causes. By 1918 trails of copper pennies were a popular means of fundraising. Auckland and Wellington challenged each other to build a copper trail along the main trunk line to the other city. Schools along the way took part by encouraging each child to bring a penny to school. Progress was reported in newspapers throughout the year. Auckland won the contest. Children also helped by providing 'comforts' for the soldiers. They knitted and sewed socks and scarves to keep soldiers warm at the front. They also wrote letters and sent care packages to 'lonely' soldiers, ex-pupils of their school and other local men in service. Many received postcards in return and bonds were created between the classroom and the front line. tags How to cite this page: 'Supporting the war effort - schools in the First World War', URL: http://www.nzhistory.net.nz/war/children\\... (Ministry for Culture and Heritage), updated 30-Aug-2012