Across California, CDCR and CCHCS staff help students go back to school by donating supplies, backpacks, and money.
SAC donates school supplies
California State Prison, Sacramento (SAC), held their annual school supply drive July 14 through Aug. 7. SAC staff collected supplies for local elementary schools and delivered them on their first day of school. According to organizers, this is an effort staff look forward to every year.
Supplies included binders, pencils, paper, and other basics.
Submitted by SAC staff
CIM collects over 200 backpacks stuffed with supplies
On July 24, 2023, the California Institution for Men (CIM) along with the Chino Valley Employee’ Association (CVEA) hosted their Annual Back-to-School Supply Drive.
The event is a collaborative effort between CIM, CVEA, Chino Valley Unified School District (CVUSD) Hope Center. This year CIM and CVEA collected over 200 backpacks, rulers, binders, composition books, markers, crayons, glue sticks etc.
Liz Lara, Family Services Program Specialist of the CVUSD stated, “Thanks to the generosity of CIM and its amazing staff, this year’s event was a huge success.”
By Lt. Paul Ybarra, AA/PIO
California Institution for Men
CAL donates 155 backpacks to local school district
During July, Calipatria State Prison (CAL) staff collected backpacks filled with school supplies. In total, CAL staff collected 155 filled backpacks. While CAL’s original goal was 125, because of staff generosity, an additional 30 backpacks were delivered to schools serving Calipatria and Niland.
“We are proud that year after year, the Calipatria State Prison family steps up to ensure this event is a success,” said Warden (A) Roberto Arias.
The Latin American Club hosted the drive on Saturday, Aug. 5, benefiting children who attend Calipatria Unified School District.
“Our organization expresses its gratitude to each and every one of you who heard of the need and took the time to meet it,” said Angie Garcia, Calipatria Latin American Club President.
All of the backpacks were filled with school supplies such as binders, spiral notebooks, crayons, and other similar items.
This annual event has become a tradition at CAL, sparking friendly competition amongst the staff to see which department can donate the most backpacks.
“The month long preparation for this event is so much fun. The smiles on the faces of staff dropping-off donations are just as big as the smiles on the faces of the children selecting their brand new backpack during the event,” said Heather Duarte, Community Resources Manager.
Departments such as Facilities A,B,C and D, Central Operations, Investigative Services Unit, Healthcare and Non-Custody Staff, and many others throughout CAL joined together to raise money and school supplies to make this event happen.
The selfless generosity from CAL’s staff is a reminder of their commitment to neighboring communities, highlighting the importance placed on the success for the future of the children who live within them.
By Lt. Efren Uribe, AA/PIO
Calipatria State Prison
CTF staff donate 35 backpacks to La Gloria Elementary School
The Correctional Training Facility (CTF) Employee Action Committee (EAC) showed support for La Gloria Elementary School through a backpack and school supply drive.
The school, located in Gonzales, received 35 backpacks, each filled with essential school supplies.
Principal Diana Dietrich thanked CTF for their generosity.
Staff who donated to the backpack drive were entered into drawings for chances to win gift cards, a television, and an Apple Watch.
G. Butler, EAC Chairperson, shared their thoughts on the event.
“Our mission is not just to serve those within our facility but to extend our hand to the community that surrounds us,” Butler said. “By supporting education, we are planting the seeds for a brighter future. The generosity displayed by our staff is a testament to the spirit of unity we wish to promote.”
By Lt. Wil Landrum, AA/PIO
Correctional Training Facility
RJD raises $10k, helping students return to school
RJ Donovan Correctional Facility helped distribute backpacks to families in need.
Just over $10,000 was raised through incarcerated population food sales. The proceeds were donated to StarPal to purchase materials needed to fill 600 backpacks provided by Bluepeak Credit Union.
By Lt. Adam Garvey, AA/PIO
Correctional Training Facility
MCSP partners with Nexus Youth for school supplies
The Mule Creek State Prison staff in collaboration with Nexus Youth and Family Services in Amador County successfully collected and donated school supplies. The supplies included backpacks, paper, pens/pencils, notebooks, and binders.
MCSP continues to support CDCR in their mission to supply California students with school supplies before every school year. Through these yearly contributions, MCSP and teaming with Nexus have been able to help those in need.
By Lt. Beau Campbell, AA/PIO
Mule Creek State Prison
California Health Care Facility
California Health Care Facility (CHCF) staff delivered a van full of backpacks and other school supplies to students at Taft Montessori Specialty School. Thanks to generous donations from CHCF staff, California Correctional Peace Officer Association (CCPOA), SEIU Local 770, Chicano Correctional Workers Association (CCWA), California Correctional Supervisor Organization, and Letters to Santa, CHCF was able to give every student school supplies.
In all, CHCF distributed 459 bags containing pencils, crayons, color pencils, erasers, markers, glue stick, highlighters, and notebooks. Teachers received much needed supplies such as hand sanitizer, paper, pencils, crayons, color markers, Kleenex, scissors, dry erase markers, and glue.
CHCF was also informed 12 students were either homeless or had lost a parent. With generous hearts, various departments within CHCF banded together to give these students a little extra. Each of these students received an additional backpack containing clothing (including new shoes), additional school supplies, and a water bottle.
“It was truly a humbling experience to witness the gratitude of the students as they received the school supplies,” according to organizers.
Submitted by Lt. Lance Davis, AA/PIO
California Health Care Facility
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