"I really love my jacket, thank you." For Fernanda Mejia, those words are more than gratitude—they’re a reminder of why she works tirelessly each fall to make sure every child feels warm, cared for, and included.
As family engagement outreach manager at the Oregon Child Development Coalition (OCDC), Fernanda supports families navigating economic challenges, children with disabilities, and those experiencing homelessness. OCDC’s mission is to create opportunities for all through education, health, and family stability. And Fernanda’s winter coat drive is a perfect example of that mission in action.
The idea began in 2016 when OCDC partnered with Coats for Kids. Donations included both new and used coats, but Fernanda wanted every child to feel the excitement of a new coat. So, the following year, she set a bold new goal: every coat should be brand new. That’s how the OCDC Winter Coat Drive started.
Today, with 130 kids counting on her, Fernanda rallies the community through social media, local businesses, and even door-to-door visits. The coat drive is so well-known that when funds run short, a quick text to community partners can raise hundreds in minutes.
Among her most dedicated supporters is Andy, an Avista employee with a passion for community volunteerism, who joined Fernanda and advocated for an Avista donation. Their commitment, combined with the generosity of local businesses and community members, ensures that more than a hundred children in the Rogue Valley stay warm each winter.
Visit ocdc.net to learn more about this important program. To find out how you can help contact Fernanda directly at fernanda.mejia@ocdc.net or (541) 326-2953.
This is just one example of small communities powered by big hearts.
Ashland is in Avista’s Oregon service territory and is home to about 8,000 Avista customers.