Music teacher Anthony Cracchiolo joined forces with Jake Herring, a special needs student and Santa’s helper, for the 4th Annual Holiday Donation Drive to ensure that Coatesville VA Medical Center gets much-needed goods during the holiday season, writes Bill Rettew for The Daily Local News. 

The drumming instructor privately teaches Herring percussion instruments through Anthony C Drums. Herring enjoys playing with his band and has performed for the veterans twice so far. 

“Without Anthony, Jake wouldn’t be where he’s at,” said his mother, Nancy Herring. 

The event organized by Cracchiolo with Herrig’s help raised over $2,000 this year. The drive has grown considerably since it first started. Today, the pair helps with three different programs at the Coatesville campus, including Lincoln’s Promise Pantry, which provides food for food-insecure veterans. Additionally, veterans receive donated clothing, while monetary donations are used to buy sweatpants, toothpaste, laundry detergent, and other items. 

“The community that supports the Coatesville VA is absolutely amazing,” said Jennifer Lilly, chief of volunteer services at Coatesville VA Medical Center. “Without folks like Anthony and Jake, we would not be able to reach out as far as we can.” 

Read more about Anthony Cracchiolo and Jake Herring in The Daily Local News. 

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