Cleveland, OH
Cleveland mom continues mission to improve literacy rates across NE Ohio through growing non-profit
CLEVELAND, Ohio — News 5 continues to Follow-Through on stories that matter most to you and your loved ones.
We’re returning to see the change and impact left behind.
One of those topics is literacy.
Research shows that 66% of adults in Cleveland are functionally illiterate.
Some neighborhood illiteracy rates are as high as 95%.
That’s why News 5 and the Scripps Howard Foundation are proud to help get books into the hands of local children through our “If You Give a Child a Book” Campaign and you can help make that happen.
You can donate here or text “WEWS” to 5-0-1-5-5 to donate and help us build the home libraries of kids right here in Cleveland.
A Cleveland area Mom and son have been on a mission for years to reverse the cycle of illiteracy.
News 5 has followed the journey of the non-profit “Literacy in the H.O.O.D.” since it first started back in 2017.
They’ve since given out over half a million books, but they’re not done just yet.
Their program is all about “Helping Out Our Disenfranchised.”
The program has exploded in popularity, with national coverage on GMA, CNN, and some daytime talk shows.
But the need is great and at a constant especially coming out of the pandemic.
Chrishawndra Matthews says we can succeed by working together, and it starts at home.
“Now, when I pull up—they know what I’m coming out with. They’re like that’s the book lady! And I just thank God because it’s bigger than me,” Matthews said.
Matthews’ mission to improve reading rates across Cleveland is one done with purpose and on a daily basis.
“My tag is to invest in the minds, one book at a time,” Matthews said.
She’s successfully invested in those minds by making “Literacy in the H.O.O.D.” a mobile movement.
Her branded van acts as a roving billboard and an essential educational tool for each neighborhood she stops in.
“Going in these areas Mike, where we know that these reading scores and test scores are low—we’re setting up a table and literally just passing out books,” Matthews said.
At last check, Matthews with her son Derrick Smith Jr. right by her side, has given out 600,000 FREE books since she started the non-profit back in 2017.
During the pandemic alone—she distributed more than 100,000 books.
“I try to keep workbooks so we can help them get ready for kindergarten,” Matthews said.
Smith has been a driving force in the program, especially after he says his mom had serious doubts about the organization’s future during statewide shutdowns.
“I told her we couldn’t stop doing what we were doing, and we just started doing way more events. We gave people books out of our driveway,” Smith, Founder of “Boys Do Read,” said.
Matthews’ van remains stocked and loaded, with snacks and books.
She’s ready to hit the road at a moment’s notice.
As much as the program has grown, Smith’s has also expanded.
“He was the fire under my feet to launch Literacy in the H.O.O.D. because what I know—there’s disparities in literacy,” Matthews said.
Smith actually started his own reading program “Boys Do Read” as an effort to encourage kids to find fun in the process.
News 5 covered his journey a few years ago.
“Boys Do Read” began when Derrick was just 7 years old after he was unfortunately bullied by kids for being the only child who could read in his Kindergarten class.
Fast forward to 2023—his experience has compelled him to be a part of the change.
“I’m writing my own book about bullying because ever since I got bullied in Kindergarten that was another inspiration,” Smith said.
Matthews says her ultimate goal in the very near future is to get enough cash to open a brick-and-mortar store in Cleveland for everyone to enjoy.
“Once we get a brick and mortar—I’m going to blow this thing out of the water! I’m going blow it out of the water, Mike. It’ll be a place where you can come. A book pantry so they can come in the room and pick out the book they wanted,” Matthews said.
One day that location will be a place where she says both children can learn to read, and parents can learn better ways to teach them.
Her goal is to open the space by the Summer of 2024.
“We are really trying to make sure not only do children have books, but their parents, caregivers, and educators have books,” Matthews said.
Matthews says giving the kids a choice and letting them select their book has been vital in improving reading rates.
She says the future is bright in Cleveland, but it will continue to take work.
“I’m really trying to change a mindset and talk to parents about why children need to be reading,” Matthews said.
So how can you help?
Matthews says monetary donations and book drives make a difference.
To support her mission and give back to “Literacy in the H.O.O.D”, click here.
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Cleveland, OH
Ohio Weather Alert: Air Quality Advisory Issued for Cleveland and Surrounding Counties Today
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Cleveland, OH – Residents in Northeast Ohio face an Air Quality Advisory today as ground-level fine particle pollution reaches unhealthy levels for sensitive groups. Officials urge those with respiratory issues, children, and the elderly to limit outdoor activities.
According to the Northeast Ohio Areawide Coordinating Agency (NOACA), the advisory began at midnight and will remain in effect through midnight tonight. Local air quality monitors predict that weather patterns will cause pollutants to linger, impacting areas like Cleveland, Akron, and Mentor. Residents can monitor real-time air quality updates at airnow.gov and sign up for text alerts at enviroflash.info.
To help mitigate pollution, NOACA encourages simple actions such as carpooling, avoiding engine idling, and postponing outdoor chores like mowing until air quality improves. Commuters are advised to use public transportation or consolidate trips where possible to limit emissions.
Looking ahead, Northeast Ohio’s forecast features mild but wet conditions heading into the weekend. Friday brings a 50% chance of afternoon showers with highs near 48°F. Rain is likely Saturday and Sunday, with highs reaching the low 50s. Gusty winds up to 20 mph may impact visibility for drivers.
Stay updated on changing conditions and travel plans by checking local weather alerts and preparing for rain-heavy travel periods through Sunday.
Be sure to follow us on Instagram & like us on Facebook to stay up-to-date on more relevant news stories and SUPPORT LOCAL INDEPENDENT NEWS!
CLEVELAND — Not many movies stand the test of time, but “A Christmas Story” is a genuine classic.
The 1983 film only lasted a month in the box office but has since become a cult classic, drawing fans to the Cleveland home where it was shot all year long. One northeast Ohio native had a small but memorable part in the film and made lifelong friendships.
Drew Hocevar may be remembered for playing the “mean elf” in the film, but he’s anything but.
Known as the “male elf” in the credits, it’s the only acting role Hocevar has ever auditioned for. He was working at Higbees department store when he got the part.
“They just called me, and I got the elf part!” he said.
He said it was just something fun to do. Being a teacher is what really paid the bills. Hocevar is a former special education teacher and now volunteers as a mechanic working on the merry-go-round at the Western Reserve Historical Society.
Some of the artifacts he saved from the movie are on display at the museum.
“I snagged my hat and ran,” he said.
He said the rest of the costume was thrown away.
Hocevar’s cast-signed poster and bb-gun are on display at the museum
The museum has a few other special “A Christmas Story” displays, including Lego sculptures depicting memorable scenes from the movie including Hocevar’s scene of him pushing kids down a slide on a fake snow-topped mountain.
Over 40 years later he remains friends with some of the cast including his elf counterpart and recently had lunch with her.
The movie plays numerous times throughout the holiday season, but Hocevar said he tends not to watch. His friends, however, have a special name for Christmas Day.
“24 hours of Drew!” he said.
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Cleveland, OH – Warmer weather is set to move into Northeast Ohio just in time for Christmas, with rain chances remaining low this week. After a cloudy and drizzly start today, temperatures will gradually rise, offering a mild holiday season for residents.
According to the National Weather Service, Cleveland will see highs in the upper 30s today with patchy drizzle tapering off by the afternoon. Tonight, skies will remain cloudy with lows near 33°F. By Wednesday, Christmas Day, conditions improve with mostly cloudy skies and highs reaching a pleasant 40°F.
Looking ahead, Thursday will bring partly sunny skies and warmer temperatures, peaking near 48°F. Winds from the southeast will keep conditions calm, making it an ideal day for holiday outings. However, by Friday, a 30% chance of rain returns as temperatures climb into the upper 40s.
The warm-up continues into Saturday, with highs expected to reach the mid-50s. Showers are likely Saturday night into Sunday, so residents should prepare for wet conditions over the weekend.
Motorists should remain cautious today as morning drizzle could create slick spots on roads, including I-90 and I-71. While precipitation chances remain low, lingering fog and mist may reduce visibility early in the day.
Stay tuned for updated forecasts as Christmas approaches, and plan your holiday travels with these warming conditions in mind.
Be sure to follow us on Instagram & like us on Facebook to stay up-to-date on more relevant news stories and SUPPORT LOCAL INDEPENDENT NEWS!
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