Food sale helps three nonprofits
As nonprofits face challenges, Ironwood State Prison (ISP) held an incarcerated food sale to benefit three of Blythe’s nonprofit organizations.
Proceeds from an ISP food sale provided $11,840, divided into three parts of $3,946. Recipients included Blythe’s Sheltering Wings, Frank Luke American Legion Post 24, and Harmony Kitchen.
Officials from ISP personally delivered the donations to the organizations’ leadership on Sept. 1.
“The coronavirus pandemic has put many of Ironwood’s community fundraisers on hold. Ironwood State Prison’s management believed a food sale could boost the morale of the inmate population, by working together to raise money for local nonprofit organizations in Blythe,” said ISP Community Resource Manager Carey Ochs.
Pause hindered regular fundraisers
“These fundraisers are usually scheduled quarterly. However, due to COVID-19 restrictions, we had to ensure this sale adhered to specific guidelines,” Ochs added. The donation recipients were selected by the incarcerated population.
The donation came at a particularly tough time for the American Legion post, as the organization saw two break-ins over the span of a week. Pandemic-related challenges have also contributed to the hardest year the post has experienced.
“ISP is very proud to give back to the community, especially during these trying times. While ISP remains dedicated to the safety, health, and well-being of the staff and inmate population, we take every opportunity to help those in need,” said ISP Warden Neil McDowell. “At the end of the day, it is these types of events that truly make us all proud to be a part of the ISP family.”
Frank Luke American Legion Post 24’s Dolly Razo shed some tears when receiving the donation. The donation came the day after the post’s second break-in.
Ironwood’s tradition of giving
ISP inmates and staff have worked together in the past to help support many community causes and nonprofits over the years. The CDCR facility is a continued and long-standing supporter of the Blythe Cancer Resource Center (BCRC) “Steps for the Cure” event, and as recently as March 4 of this year donated thousands of dollars to five area organizations — BCRC, Harmony Kitchen, the Frank Luke American Legion Post, the Blythe Emergency Food Pantry, and Blythe Police Activities League.
Members and leadership of ISP’s staff also participate in the annual “Civil Servants for Santa” holiday event that provides a shopping spree for underprivileged kids. In 2019, ISP continued their tradition of providing presents for select students at their adopted Felix J. Appleby Elementary School – as well as visiting seniors at Blythe Post Acute with gifts.
“When we work together to help someone else, we all win,” said McDowell. “ISP leadership could not be more proud of the way our team comes together to help make a difference, especially when it matters most.”
By Lt. H. Mora
