Staff and the incarcerated population at California Institution for Women (CIW) combined efforts to support troops through fundraising and a charity softball game.
The Nov. 2 event was one more way the institution celebrated Veterans Day, gathering hygiene products for the United Services Organization (USO) Inland Empire. Prison activity groups, Canine Support teams, and Veterans in Prison chose to put together the event to benefit the local USO.
CIW accepted hygiene items in the front lobby from Oct. 19-Nov. 1.
An incarcerated population food sale also raised $4,000 for the effort. Brandi Elias, Operations and Program Manager for USO Inland Empire, was on hand to receive the donation check as well as the hygiene items on Nov. 2.
With the current conflicts overseas, Elias said the donation could not come at a better time. As many as 1,400 troops are expected to come through the local airport in the coming weeks.
Staff and the incarcerated population agreed to make this an annual event.
Learn more about the USO Inland Empire on their website.
Story by Lt. William Newborg, AA/PIO
California Institution for Women
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