The holidays are supposed to be full of joy, but for Jannette Santiago, they remind her of the hardest day of her life.
Last year, just two days before Thanksgiving, her 33-year-old son, Oscar, was shot and killed right outside his apartment in Northeast Philadelphia.
It happened because of a disagreement with a neighbor, and the pain of that day hasn’t left her since.
Oscar’s death is, of course, still fresh in Jannette’s mind, especially during the holiday season.
Her home is filled with pictures, posters, and candles in his memory.
It’s her way of keeping him close, but it doesn’t make the holidays any easier.
“How can I celebrate?” she says, reflecting on how much her life has changed since that terrible day.
Even though it’s been so hard, Jannette has found ways to cope.
She’s part of Mothers In Charge, a group of moms who have also lost loved ones to gun violence.
Through them, she’s found a space to share her feelings and connect with others who truly understand her pain.
She also finds comfort in her 4-year-old grandson, Amar.
Amar loves his Uncle Oscar and misses him deeply, even though he’s still too young to fully understand what happened.
For now, all he knows is that his uncle is “in heaven.”
But like all kids, Amar lights up when it comes to the magic of the holidays, and that’s what keeps Jannette going.
Jannette is now focused on spreading joy through the Joy of Sharing campaign, an annual toy drive by CBS Philadelphia.
For decades, this campaign has been collecting toys for kids in need, helping organizations like the Salvation Army and Mothers In Charge make the holidays special for struggling families.
Over 100,000 kids have received toys over the years, and it’s still going strong.
For Jannette, being part of this campaign is a way to heal.
Knowing that kids like Amar and many others will wake up to gifts under the tree brings her peace and happiness.
“Helping is my call now,” she says.
It’s her way of turning heartbreak into something positive, and hats off to her.
Perhaps her story has inspired you, and you’d like to help. If so, there are many ways to do so.
The Joy of Sharing campaign has drop-off spots all over Philadelphia where you can donate new, unwrapped toys.
Here are some of the main places:
- CBS Philadelphia Broadcast Center, 1555 Hamilton Street, Philadelphia, PA
- CBS Philadelphia Offices, 1500 Spring Garden Street, Philadelphia, PA
- The Salvation Army Philadelphia, 701 North Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Miller Theater, 250 South Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Mothers In Charge Offices, 990 Spring Garden Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Kimmel Center, 300 South Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA
- Rivers Casino Philadelphia, during Lady B’s Holiday Basement Party on December 14 at 8 p.m.
- Delaware Blue Coats games at Chase Fieldhouse in Wilmington, DE, on December 13.
- Trans-Siberian Orchestra shows at Wells Fargo Center on December 22 at 3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
Although, if you’d rather give money, there are options for that, too.
The Salvation Army’s Red Kettle campaign lets you donate online or by texting “KETTLE” to 31333 with your zip code.
There’s also the Angel Tree Program, where you can “adopt” a child and shop for a gift they’ve wished for.
Jannette’s story reminds us how powerful it can be to give back.
Even when her world has been turned upside down, she’s found a way to bring happiness to others, especially children who need a little extra love during the holidays.
This simple act of kindness is making a big difference, not just for the kids but also for her.
It’s proof that even in the darkest times, there’s still light to be found when we come together to help each other.
