CLEVELAND — The COVID-19 pandemic forced many of us to get creative about how we spent our time during the lockdown. Tyra Jackson used her downtime for good.

Jackson is the founder of The Caring, an organization that provides hygiene and care bags for those in need in northeast Ohio. 

She said The Caring began as her pandemic project. Now, 20 months later, Jackson said she's served over 5,000 people. 

"We wanted to make sure we help everybody,” Jackson said. 

People in need request the care bags through a client intake form online or over the phone. Jackson said each bag is stuffed with products that will help keep them safe through the pandemic.

"What’s going into these bags is you got soap, deodorant, you have razors, you have baby wipes, you have dishwashing liquid,” Jackson said.

Jackson said the idea of caring for other people throughout the pandemic is what influenced the name of her organization. She added that she’s always had the drive to help others.

"I did it as a little girl. I helped my mom and my grandmother, so it’s rooted in me,” Jackson said. “I feel like it takes a village and we all need love and support. So, that’s why I do it. I love doing it."

Jackson said The Caring celebrated its first anniversary in September.

She teamed up with Cleveland Pandemic Response to help her deliver the bags.

Jackson said she eventually wants to purchase a van to help make more deliveries herself.

Jackson said that she’s always in need of help.

If you’re interested in donating or volunteering with the organization, visit her Facebook page.