An alumni's quest to keep children warm

Shirley Messaros grew up in Elyria during World War II, attending McKinley and Franklin Elementary Schools as a youngster and graduating from Elyria High School in 1954. She forged many friendships that have stood the test of time. She's been the keeper of her high school class memoirs, and continues to gather her classmates up every five years for meet ups. In 2024, the Class of 1954 will celebrate its 70th reunion! It's these fond school memories and deep friendships that's kept Shirley tied to Elyria Schools all these years. About 13 years ago Shirley started a coat collection for Elyria students. It began humbly with a small donation of coats after Shirley learned of the need while visiting a now shuttered elementary school. Shirley's coat drive has grown over the years to a collection of hundreds of brand-new coats, hats, gloves and scarves. The drive is held the first weekend of every November. Shirley's coat drive will take place Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 4 and 5, 2023, from Noon to 3 p.m., at the Elyria American Legion housed at 393 Ohio St.
Thank you, Shirley, for your deep care, concern and kindness toward Elyria's children!

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