Across California, the incarcerated and staff work together to help the community outside prison walls, raising funds and helping those in need. These are some examples of community involvement from Avenal State Prison, Correctional Training Facility, High Desert State Prison and North Kern State Prison.
Shoes donated by Avenal State Prison
Avenal State Prison staff held a shoe drive, bringing in 55 pairs of shoes to help those in need. Requesting shoes for children and teenagers, Randy’s Closet Outreach of Cornerstone Community Care in Fresno saw Avenal prison staff step up to help.
Lt. Oscar Brannum and the Community Resource Manager’s Office organized the March shoe drive with donations delivered April 13.
Lorraine Estrada, founder and director for Randy’s Closet, said the shoes will help many families.
In addition to shoes, Randy’s Closet also accepts clothing donations for the same age groups. Families are referred by the Fresno Unified School District, Casa La Familia, as well as local shelters such as the Marjaree Mason Center.
Each family coming in is provided one pair of shoes for each child, in addition to between three and five outfits as well as assistance with food.
Learn more about Randy’s Closet.
Submitted by Lt. James Campbell
CTF donates coats for children, money to rape crisis center
COAT DRIVE — The Correctional Training Facility (CTF) Employee Action Committee (EAC) held a Coat Drive fundraiser, collecting 88 for underprivileged children in the San Ardo Union Elementary School District. The EAC was developed to coordinate employee appreciation and fundraising events in addition to assisting charitable programs. With the donated coats, children ranging from grades kindergarten through eighth were provided with a clean new coat.
RAPE CRISIS CENTER — A food sale, held by CTF Operation New Hope, raised over $1,500 for the Monterey County Rape Crisis Center. CTF leadership approved the sale of items from vendors in the community, such as Costco, Reds Doughnuts and a local pizza shop, to be sold to the incarcerated population, with a percentage of the proceeds going toward a charitable contribution. Operation New Hope chose the crisis center as the recipient
Submitted by Lt. Wil Landrum
HDSP donates sports equipment
High Desert State Prison (HDSP) staff recently donated sports equipment to Holiday with a Hero.
Representing a partnership with Lassen County first responders and other volunteers, Holiday with a Hero helps build and encourage relationships between children and first responders.
With funds raised in the community, Holiday With a Hero provides athletic scholarships as well as equipment and sports gear.
This summer, HDSP will sponsor the third annual charity golf tournament event in Susanville. HDSP staff look forward to seeing the Lassen County children benefiting from all the wonderful opportunities Holiday With a Hero provides to the community. Numerous staff have participated in Holiday With a Hero over the last six years.
By Lt. Jonathan Sieberg
NKSP staff help community through cancer fundraiser
North Kern State Prison (NKSP) recently participated in the Relay for Life-Delano fundraiser.
The event is meant to save lives, celebrate lives, and lead the fight for a world without cancer. In all, NKSP raised over $17,000.
“As an institution, we participate in Relay for Life-Delano every year and help support the mission of Relay for Life. Whether it’s fundraising to assist a breakthrough in research or providing essential services throughout someone’s cancer journey, we are here to make a difference in the fight against cancer,” said Warden Kevin Hixon.
Story by Joseph Lopez, Community Resource Manager