Incarcerated Men Raise Thousands Through Fundraiser
For more than 10 years, men at the Oregon State Correctional Institution (OSCI) have held an annual fundraiser to make sure kids have a merry Christmas. Last summer they raised money for Angel Tree®, a Prison Fellowship® program that helps ensure that children of incarcerated parents receive a special Christmas gift and personalized note from their parent.
The men at OSCI, a medium-security, 900-person facility in Salem, Oregon, "get really excited because of what Angel Tree is," says George Escalante, recreation specialist at OSCI. "Some of their kids actually benefit from it."
'I CAN DO SOMETHING GOOD'
On Aug. 16, 2019, a group of men at OSCI hosted a barbeque, a walkathon, and fundraising booths. Wonderful smells filled the air at OSCI's large yard. The barbeque featured cheeseburgers, barbecue chicken, hot dogs, and more. There were events and games set up all around the yard.
Hundreds of people participated in the walkathon, each earning one penny per lap. After three and a half hours and hundreds of laps, walkers had earned hundreds of dollars, including donations from prisoner clubs. The event raised more than $4,000—a new record for the fundraiser!
The money they raised went to Angel Tree, which last year helped more than 300,000 kids with an incarcerated parent received a Christmas gift, the Gospel message, and a special note from their parent. Since its beginning, Angel Tree has helped deliver more than 11 million such gifts to children.
"When you do something to help others, it's giving back to the community, and it's a really, really positive thing," said George. "It's a great message, a great cause. The result is priceless at all levels. It's helping guys realize, ‘'I can do something good.'"
MINISTERING TO PRISONERS' FAMILIES
A former prisoner founded Angel Tree in 1982 after witnessing firsthand the deep need for connection between prisoners and their children. Today, Angel Tree is the largest national program in serving some of the 2.7 million children of prisoners. Prison Fellowship mobilizes local churches and community organizations to fuel the program. In addition, many partner churches meet the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of both children and families through year-round ministry such as camping and sports clinics.
Supporting the connection between children and their incarcerated parents is especially important in times like these. Many prisons have canceled in-prison visitation due to COVID-19 concerns—even for families. It remains uncertain when the current public health measures will end, but Angel Tree Christmas will continue. Our team is preparing for our traditional delivery—and preparing online options—as we work to ensure that every Angel Tree child is served.
Help share the love of Christ with prisoners' children and their families. Donate to Angel Tree today.
BIBLES ARE NEEDED NOW MORE THAN EVER
Prisons across the country are on lockdown due to COVID-19, and Bibles are one of the only ways to still get hope behind prison bars. And nothing provides hope like the living Word of God. The demand for Bibles is at an all-time high. Will you help us meet the need? Please give generously today and your gift will be doubled thanks to a matching grant!
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