Staff and incarcerated individuals at three institutions volunteered to make masks, help those in need and raise funds for charities. It’s all part of CDCR’s commitment to the communities in which we serve.
CCI staff make masks, raise funds to help others
A California Correctional Institution (CCI) nurse has joined forces with others in Kern County to craft masks for regional first responders as well as employees at Edwards Air Force Base.
LVN Lorri Hansing and a large Facebook group in Tehachapi called Kern County & Edwards Masks for Donation have sewn thousands of masks.
Not only have they donated homemade masks to the CCI nurses, but also to High Desert Medical Group in Lancaster, Kern County Sheriff’s Office, employees at Edwards AFB and nursing homes.
The group most recently worked on sewing reusable scrub caps for Antelope Valley Hospital.
Another CCI staff member worked with her alumni group to raise funds to help others.
Dr. Jane Chern and her group’s efforts raised money to purchase supplies such as masks, isolation gowns and goggles.
They also made cloth masks and ear savers to mail to medical staff all over the nation.
“During this period, many recipients sent us photos and words of appreciation and encouragement,” she said. “We cherish this as they also motivated us to work harder.”
Yet another CCI staff member, Anthony Andreola, and his wife began giving away baby supplies to needy families. They organized the effort through social media.
By Lt. Nadia Erwin
CMC combines fundraiser and first-responder gratitude
To show appreciation for the first responders throughout San Luis Obispo County, California Men’s Colony (CMC) Warden Josie Gastelo and Correctional Counselor III (CCIII) B. Speer used a Krispy Kreme Doughnut fundraiser to raise money for a worthy cause while providing free doughnuts to local law enforcement, medical personnel and firefighters in the area.
Speer organized the fundraiser in support of RISE (Respect Inspire Support Empower) of San Luis Obispo County.
RISE provides round-the-clock counseling and assistance to victims of sexual abuse and domestic violence within the county.
By supporting RISE and other similar organizations, members of the community make it possible for victims to receive the help they need when they need it the most.
CMC staff purchased 210 dozen Krispy Kreme Doughnuts, raising $1,261 for RISE.
Of those purchased, 75 dozen were donated to local first responders.
CMC custody and health care personnel made surprise doughnut deliveries to local firehouses, hospitals, medical offices and police stations to express CMC’s gratitude for what those front-line heroes do on a daily basis.
By Lt. John Hill
CALPIA students at Sierra Conservation Center put efforts into mask making
By Lt. Ricardo Jauregui
See more community involvement stories.
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