Josiah Lawson coat drive postponed, donations for local students in lieu of event

ARCATA, Calif. (KIEM)-The 4th annual David Josiah Lawson coat drive -planned for Saturday – has been postponed due to the increase in COVID-19 cases.

Charmaine Lawson – the mother of the Humboldt State University student killed, on April 15, 2017 after he was stabbed at an off-campus apartment, is still seeking justice for her son.

She says, her son was a giving and caring person with a big heart – the reason the event was created.

She says, even though the event is postponed – more than 100 blankets, along with toiletries and gift cards have been collected and will be donated to both HSU and CR students, as well as those who are homeless.

Any student who needs help with their light bill can reach out to Charmaine directly. 

“So many families are impacted by COVID-19, and so many families are not working, and if they’re not working, then as a parent you’re not able to help your college student who is 14 hours away, 5 hours away,” she said. “I don’t want parents to have to worry about that, and I don’t want students to have to worry about that either.”

Charmaine says, they are still seeking donations, such as blankets, backpacks, socks, gloves and hats, as well as gift cards from local grocers, big box stores and restaurants in the about $10.

Monetary donations can be made via Venmo, among other cash apps.

Her vision was to have 100 pre-packed bags to hand out for the unhoused community, which has been pushed to January depending on the COVID status.

Charmaine says, the reward for anyone with information that leads to an arrest and conviction has grown to $50,000, you can remain anonymous.

For more information, visit the Justice for Josiah Facebook Page by clicking here.