Community Involvement, Front page

SATF staff, population donate to children’s hospital

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.

On April 3, SATF donated funds and new stuffed animal toys to Valley Children’s Hospital in Madera.
On April 3, SATF donated funds and new stuffed animal toys to Valley Children’s Hospital in Madera.

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.

SATF staff, including Associate Warden Carrie Critchlow, Associate Warden (A) Ethan DeLaCruz, AA/PIO Kyle Cade and Executive Assistant Nicole Pendergrass met with executive staff from the Valley Children's Hospital to present the check.

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 YouTubeFacebookX (formerly Twitter). Listen to the CDCR Unlocked podcast.

See more community involvement stories.

Related content

On April 3, SATF donated funds and new stuffed animal toys to Valley Children’s Hospital in Madera.

SATF staff, population donate to children’s hospital

Staff and incarcerated people at the Substance Abuse Treatment Facility and State Prison in Corcoran (SATF) found joint purpose in…

San Quentin Warden Chance Andes during the SQRC Special Olympics Torch Run Kick Off.

SQRC Torch Run Kick Off supports Special Olympics

San Quentin Rehabilitation Center (SQRC) got the department started in style for this year’s Law Enforcement Torch Run with a…

The Occupational Mentor Certification Program at Ironwood State Prison proudly donated over $5,000 in goods to the Blythe community.

Mentors at Ironwood give back

An initiative at Ironwood State Prison started with a simple goal: to give back. Incarcerated mentors in the Occupational Mentor…

CMF Paws for Life banquet shows woman hugging dog with the following words superimposed: Better futures for all: rescue dogs, trainers, and CMF staff.

CMF hosts annual Paws for Life banquet

The gymnasium at California Medical Facility (CMF) in Vacaville was transformed for the annual banquet honoring Paws for Life K-9…

CHCF Hot Tamales team in Folsom Lake at Granite Bay for the Polar Plunge.

Staff get into Polar Plunge to benefit Special Olympics

CDCR and CCHCS staff are helping Special Olympics organizations across California by raising funds through the Polar Plunge. As more…

Public members speak with VSP recruiters at the Fresno Support Blue Run.

VSP recruiters attend Fresno’s Support Blue Run

On behalf of the Peace Officer Recruitment Unit, Valley State Prison (VSP) recruiters proudly participated in the annual Support Blue…