Community Involvement

Avenal prison donates books to first‑graders

First-grade students and Avenal prison staff with books.
At Kettleman Elementary School, from left, are Principal Kristi Castillo, ASP CRM Dee Lovette and Darrienn Sanders, ASP Warden (A) Martin Gamboa, and Avenal Adult School Principal Jicela Soto.

Second round of books delivered by Avenal prison staff

The Avenal State Prison Community Resource Manager’s (CRM) Office organized books to be donated for first-grade classes in Kettleman City and the City of Avenal. 

In April, donations of new and gently used books were delivered to some first-graders at Kettleman City Elementary, Tamarack Elementary, and Avenal Elementary schools. (Scroll down to see the April donation.)

On May 12, thanks to additional donations, the remaining seven first-grade classes were provided books for each student. 

The event was created by the prison’s CRM Office and the community of Avenal. 

“Seeing the smiles on the student’s faces is enough motivation to make this a yearly tradition,” organizers said.

April book donation sees smiles

In April, the prison Community Resources Office organized a book donation fundraiser for first-grade classes in Kettleman City and Avenal. Donations of new and gently used books were delivered to Kettleman City Elementary, Tamarack Elementary School and Avenal Elementary School.

Special care was also given to those students who are solely Spanish speaking. This is another event created by the Community Resources Office, designed to give back and help our local community.

By Lt. J. Campbell

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