Honor Flight has sent hundreds of South Dakota World War II veterans to see their memorial thanks to many donating their money and time. But with hundreds still waiting to go, more money is needed. People of all ages are pitching in.

There's a lot a group of sixth graders could do with $40, precisely the amount those in Redfield received.

"We could have used it for pizza or something but we decided to use it for the veterans who aren't getting any younger," sixth grader Wesley Rothacker said.

The sixth grade had earned the money from their teacher over the course of last year. This year, they put that money toward a gift basket and are selling raffle tickets for it.

"We all decided we should give it away to people so we don't get it for ourselves," sixth grader Sarah Rozell said.

The $40 has now grown to between $400 and $500.

The effort means a lot for World War II veterans from the community such as Dale Marlow.

"Their interest, their honesty and wanting to help, it's wonderful," Marlow said.

Marlow was on the Aberdeen Honor Flight. That same gratitude he was surprised to experience in Washington, D.C., he's getting here at home

"It does something you know. It brings a tear to your eye," Marlow said.

Back at the school, the kids are surprised too. They were expecting to raise a little money but interest grew in the elementary, high school and community. Now they can't wait to see the reaction from veterans.

"Yep," Rozell said.

"They're the ones who were fighting for the country," Rothacker said.

So spending the money on something like a pizza party, these sixth graders say, would have been a waste.

The sixth grade will present a check with their total earnings Wednesday. The next Honor Flight leaves from Sioux Falls on Friday.