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Christmas Packets for Prisoners

A group of local churches prepare small zipper bag of pre-approved its for prisoners during the holiday.
Pre-approved prison packet from local churches.

COLUMBIA, SC- When preparing for the holidays a group of local churches have made sure they don't forget about our state's prisoners. Inmates are counting on basic supplies to help them stay in touch with their families for the holiday.

For nearly four decades church groups throughout the Palmetto state partner with the Southern Baptist Convention and the South Carolina Women's Missionary Union to provide "Christmas Packets" for inmates.

Annette Brunette is a volunteer who fills up plastic zipper bags with pens, notebooks, soap, and tooth brushes, and other basic items for the prisoners.

"If it was my family member in prison, I would just be grateful that, that's provided to them and if it was me, said Brunette

And its a group effort. The inmates help by filling sacks with the Christmas packets and breaking down boxes.
Once all the sack are filled there delivered to prisoners statewide. Bennie Colclough is the Chaplin over inmate services, he says these packets are bring them hope around the holiday

" There is a tremendous need to be a blessing to those who are less fortunate and do no have families and do not have families that can not adequately send gifts and items that are much needed", said Colclough

South Carolina Corrections Department Director Bryan Stirling says projects like this help with the transition after prisoners serve their time.

"95% of our inmates get out with in 5 years so we want them to keep the connection when they leave so they will have some one to go back to and they wont be returning to prison", said Stirling.

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