Community Involvement

Incarcerated population raises money for Calipatria charities

Calipatria charities receive a large check with four people standing behind it.
Calipatria State Prison staff present a check to the area's Little League organization.

Calipatria State Prison’s (CAL) leadership team and the incarcerated population raised money for four local charities. Staff worked with the Inside Out Writers and the Anti-Recidivism Coalition groups.

Desserts were on the menu for the fundraiser, offering cinnamon rolls, muffins, cookies, croissants, and beverages. The incarcerated population was very appreciative of the event and said they were glad to be able to give back to the local communities.

Prison managers and the population adjusted to safety protocols to hold the food sale, taking four days to accommodate different cohorts.

In all, the Calipatria event raised $41,657.14, divided among four charities:

  • Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA), $10,414.29
  • Calipatria Little League, $10,414.29
  • Reps for Vets Organization, $10,414.29
  • Autism Support of Imperial County, $10,414.28

In the last year, CAL has sponsored multiple fundraisers and has been able to raise a total of $93,453, all donated to local non-profit agencies. 

“CAL is fortunate to have hard working staff and a population that embraces the responsibility of giving back to the community,” said Warden W. L. Montgomery.

Javier Amezcua, representative for Calipatria Little League, was grateful for the donation.

“The league serves the City of Calipatria and the unincorporated towns of Niland and Bombay Beach and is run entirely by volunteers. The donation given today will allow us to continue offering affordable sports programs as well as to update our facilities. Thank you so very much,” he said.

It’s another example of CDCR’s commitment to being community involved.

“The financial impact we make with these types of fundraisers is extremely gratifying,” said Frances Hernandez, Community Resources Manager. “Seeing the excitement from the agencies we donate to makes all of the hard work worth it.  As an institution, it truly is a privilege to help our communities.”

Story by Lt. Efren Uribe.

Learn more about CDCR’s community involvement.

Explore more stories about CDCR on our YouTube channel, Facebook page or Twitter account.