Lorain woman organizes coat drive

Set for Oct. 2 at St. Frances Cabrini

A Lorain woman attempts to give back in any manner she can.

Jessica Santiago, 39, has developed a passion to help her community since the beginning of the novel coronavirus pandemic in March 2020.

“Since I began giving back, I’ve seen so many people struggling,” Santiago said. “I’m trying to help as many people as I can.

“It feels really good to be able to help people that truly need it.”

Each Thursday, she provides meals and clothing for those in need from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at her Lorain home, 1722 Washington Ave. in Lorain..

On Oct. 2, Santiago will continue to give back by hosting a coat drive at St. Frances Cabrini Catholic Church, 2143 Homewood Drive in Lorain.

She said she began the coat drive in 2020.

“Last year, I handed out 200 coats from my house,” Santiago said. “I believed if I could find somewhere to host it, I could do the event in one day.”

This year, coats, hats and gloves will be provided for both adults and youth.

Free arts and crafts will be provided during the drive for youngsters.

In partnership with Living Word Church, lunch meals will be available.

Santiago said she would like to see more opportunities in Lorain for underprivileged youth.

“A lot of kids need transportation, so it can be a big issue to get to practices or after school programs,” she said.

“I would like to see more activities for them after school that would be manageable for people without a lot of money.”

She said the passion stems from seeing the lack of positive outlets for her son, 9, and her niece of the same age.

Santiago will hold a series of $1 raffles to raise money to support a family in need for Christmas.

“The money will go toward a family toward Christmas,” she said.

“A big thing I want to do is, make sure I can help families around the holidays.”

Santiago is accepting donations, new or pre-loved, for the coat drive.

She said she is especially seeking coats for youngsters, and hats and gloves.

Donations can be dropped off at her home.