In the final quarter of 2022, incarcerated residents and CDCR staff across California raised thousands for charitable causes.
Chuckawalla Valley State Prison donates over $14K
The Blythe Cancer Resource Center received over $14,200 from Chuckawalla Valley State Prison (CVSP).
Through various fundraisers, such as the eighth annual gift card tree and the 15th annual Steps for a Cure Cancer Walk, staff were able to raise the money to benefit people battling cancer.
The cancer resource center helps patients with costs related to cancer treatment, such as transportation and lodging. Local residents afflicted with cancer have to travel a minimum of 100 miles each way just to receive treatment.
“This event has become a tradition at CVSP and we will continue to donate and participate in this worthy cause. I know the money we donate helps the members of our community during difficult times, because when someone has cancer, the whole family and everyone who loves them does too.” said Warden David Holbrook.
Submitted by Lt. JJ Hernandez
California City Correctional Facility raises $21k to fight cancer
In November, California City Correctional Facility (CAC) staff, volunteers, and incarcerated residents took part in the annual Relay for Life, raising over $21,000. There were approximately 48 teams of 328 residents and 81 staff and volunteers raising money and walking the recreation yard track.
The program included two incarcerated speakers and one staff member. The first spoke on the importance of taking care of yourself then thanked everyone for coming together for one cause. The second wrote a spoken word about losing his mother and sang it with the institutional band.
Associate Warden D. White addressed the community on how cancer has affected his life.
American Cancer Society (ACS) representative Jamie Brickey Powell spoke about the importance of these events, also participating in the walk with incarcerated residents. ACS representative Debby Brickey, a cancer survivor, said she was grateful for these events to help find a cure and support cancer victims.
The $21,734 check was presented to the American Cancer Society by White and Community Resource Manager R. Dennis. Money was raised through bake sales, food sales, craft auction, inmate trust withdrawal forms, and also from family and friends online.
Submitted by Rebecca Dennis, Community Resources Manager
CSP-Sacramento donates $19k to charities
At CSP-Sacramento, the final food sale of the year helped the institution raise the annual total to $19,000. The funds were donated to various non-profit organizations.
Beneficiaries included:
- Angel Tree
- Boys and Girls Club
- Make-A-Wish
- Special Olympics
- Guide Dogs of America.
Submitted by Lt. Erik Altvatter
Mule Creek prison residents raise over $9k for veterans
An October incarcerated food sale raised over $9,670 to benefit veterans. The Mule Creek State Prison effort was an opportunity for the incarcerated population to give back to the community.
In November, the prison presented $5,674 to Victory Village Veterans Center, an organization assisting veterans with housing, employment, life skills, physical wellness, education assistance, Veterans Administration advocacy, and family support.
Meanwhile, $4,000 was donated to the Ione Memorial Post 8254 Veterans of Foreign Wars to help
them provide maintenance, modifications and additions to the Veterans Memorial Park on Main Street in Ione.
Submitted by Lt. Beau Campbell
PVSP staff, incarcerated donate $5k to Sister of Nazareth
Pleasant Valley State Prison (PVSP) staff and the incarcerated population worked together to support a local assisted senior living community owned and operated by the Sisters of Nazareth. They’ve been running the community since 1951.
The population elected to support the Nazareth House of Fresno Senior Living Community. Timed to coincide with the holiday season, the population wanted to support senior citizens as they are often forgotten about when it comes to the holiday season.
The Community Resource Team arrived to tour the facility on Dec. 22, also delivering a check for $5,000 to help purchase gifts for the senior residents.
“Our incarcerated population along with our Community Resource Team have proven themselves yet again. It’s so meaningful when we unite as a team and give remembrance to those who may have been forgotten,” said acting Warden Tristan Lemon.
Submitted by Lt. C. Mendoza
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