Staff and incarcerated people at the Substance Abuse Treatment Facility and State Prison in Corcoran (SATF) found joint purpose in a singular act of kindness.
The facility donated a host of new stuffed animal toys and $6,244 to Valley Children’s Hospital in Madera.
Associate Warden Carrie Critchlow, acting Associate Warden Ethan DeLaCruz, Lt. Kyle Cade and Executive Assistant Nicole Pendergrass met with executive staff from the hospital April 3 to present the check.
Throughout the month of March, SATF staff of SATF donated the “stuffies” to SATF’s Community Resources Manager. The funds were also collected from the incarcerated population who participated in food sales throughout the institution.
The hospital staff and patients were very appreciative for the donation. These donations support the hospital’s ongoing efforts to provide the best care possible in a safe and fun environment.
The hospital has an entire team of Child Life Services staff solely dedicated to assist children and their families learn and cope with hospitalization. Focusing on developmental needs of children, Child Life Specialists provide education, play and emotional support for patients and their families. This team also provides many events and play areas for the children. This helps the children remain positive while dealing with tough situations.
The hospital staff provided a tour of the oncology unit that provides treatments and chemotherapy to patients. Valley Children’s Hospital uses advanced treatment plans and has an 80 percent success rate of beating childhood cancer. The patients were excited to pick out their own donated stuffed toy to keep them company during their visit.
Submitted by Lt. Kyle Cade
Follow CDCR on YouTube, Facebook, X (formerly Twitter). Listen to the CDCR Unlocked podcast.
See more community involvement stories.
Related content
Watch: 2026 Law Enforcement Torch Run rallies in Sacramento
The final leg of the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics Northern California received a ceremonious sendoff from CDCR…
Staff carry torch across California for Special Olympics
Across California, CDCR and CCHCS staff proudly carried the Special Olympics Flame of Hope during the Law Enforcement Torch Run.…
Mule Creek staff role up sleeves to donate blood
Mule Creek State Prison recently partnered with Vitalant to host a successful blood drive with staff. This gave employees the…
LAC staff interact with students during Read Across America
Staff from California State Prison, Los Angeles County (LAC), visited young students during Read Across America Week. A local elementary…
CSP‑Corcoran staff, incarcerated walk to fight cancer
California State Prison (CSP) Corcoran hosted the third annual Cancer Walk with staff and the incarcerated raising a record-breaking $12,900…
CMC custody staff find balance on a surfboard
Custody staff from California Men’s Colony (CMC) at San Luis Obispo recently attended an adaptive surf therapy clinic. The April…