“It’s so nice to know that not everybody out in society has written us off”
Concord Prison Outreach’s annual Holiday Gift Bag Project has become a tradition of remembering our incarcerated neighbors at both NECC and MCI Concord to let them know that they are not entirely forgotten by those on the ‘outside’. Many of these men have no contact with people on the outside and are most appreciative of this good will gesture as expressed in several of the over forty letters we received last year after distribution of the gift bags:
“Everyone here is grateful for it (gift bag)…. It really boosts the spirits for all who are here.”
“You inspire me to want to give back to the community once I am released and for this I thank you very much.”
Of all the gifts you buy this holiday these may be the most appreciated.
For some of these neighbors, it may be the only gift they receive. Each of the 1700 inmates receives a gift bag containing: • 1 bar of deodorant soap (4 oz.) • 1 tube of toothpaste 5.8 oz. or larger • 1 writing pad (6”x 9” or 5”x 8”, 100 pages, no wire) • 1 box # 6 3/4 envelopes (6 1/2”x 3 5/8”) • 1 pair of white crew socks (no tube socks, knee highs, or tennis socks) • 1 plastic bottle shampoo (12-15 oz. max) • 1 stick deodorant (no roll-ons, 2.75 oz. or larger) • 1 pocket calendar (no wire, no wall calendars, no vinyl or leather bound planners) • A holiday greeting card (Happy Holidays, Seasons Greetings, Merry Christmas, Happy Chanukah; no religious cards). We especially hope every inmate can receive a card with a personal touch.
For guidelines on handmade cards, contact Carol Miller (978-369-3755 or carolhmiller@comcast.net). Please remember that no last names or addresses should be included on the cards.
Donations of the above items are welcome in any quantity – they don’t have to be in sets. Cash donations are also welcome. Your tax-deductible check may be made out to CPO, Inc. and mailed to P.O. Box 383, Concord, MA 01742.
Adult volunteers are needed to assist with the project weekdays beginning Mon. Nov. 28th through Tues., Dec. 13th from 9-12:30. In addition there are two evening sessions: Wed. Nov. 30th and Tues. Dec. 6th from 7-9 p.m. We request that volunteers sign up in advance for evening sessions – please call Beverly Duncan (978-562-5075) or Carol Miller (978-369-3755) to sign up and/or for more information. Thank you.
Gift bag items may be delivered from Nov. 28th-Dec. 5th to: Trinity Episcopal Church 81 Elm St., Concord At the River St. Entrance between Elm St. & Main St.
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