RJ Donovan Correctional Facility (RJD) incarcerated population food sales raised $42,566 for several non-profit organizations.
COVID-19 specific protocols were followed. RJD Warden (A) M. Pollard along with Community Resource Manager R. Kroll organized and hosted these events.
With non-profit organizations working harder with less, RJD staff and the incarcerated population identified several needing help.
To that end, they raised funds for:
- Neighborhood House Association
- American Combat Veterans of War
- Special Olympics of Southern California
- Interfaith Shelter Network
- Jackie Robinson Family YMCA
- Jacobs & Cushman San Diego Food Bank
- and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
The food bank said they were able to provide over 600,000 meals thanks to the donation.
“We’re very appreciative of the generous donation from the inmates. We are grateful they chose us as one of their recipients,” said Joe Zilvinskis, Interfaith Shelter Network Director of Operations. “These funds will provide basic services for San Diegans in need. They are especially needed in these difficult times.”
Food sales are possible thanks to partnering with locally owned food vendors willing to offer services to the incarcerated population. They included Chick-Fil-A, Roberto’s Catering Service,and Fatte’s Pizza.
As for the RJDCF incarcerated population, they were excited to have some normalcy during a time of uncertainty. One incarcerated man said he views the fundraisers as an opportunity to make amends.
Follow CDCR on YouTube, Facebook, X (formerly Twitter). Listen to the CDCR Unlocked podcast.