News 5, with our partner the Ohio Lottery, is shining a spotlight on Ohioans who have persisted, carried on, and risen above in these trying times, all while Delivering Merriness along the way. Join us in saying thank you!
Dawn Johnson
Dawn Johnson is the Coordinator of Health and Wellness in the East Cleveland City School District. During COVID-19 closures, Dawn coordinated meals for children. She stayed late, arrived early, worked weekends, and provided a delivery service for families with mobility issues.
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Kristina Alaei
Kristina Alaei helped set up a Facebook group called Face Mask Makers Ohio. The group helped to recruit volunteers to help create and distribute personal protective equipment. All masks are free and more than 10,000 masks have been donated.
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Chrishawndra Matthews
Chrishawndra Matthews is the founder of Literacy in the Hood. Chris stepped up when she saw that the majority of inner-city Cleveland kids had no books at home. She takes books to community events and talks to parents about the importance of reading to kids each day.
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Justin Bloyd
Justin Bloyd is the founder of RB Sigma. When masks became difficult to get, RB Sigma ordered their own mask machines and began making masks in Mentor. RB Sigma donated masks to the state of Ohio for those who assisted with election day.