While typically December is the month for hosting family members to holiday events at Cedar Creek Corrections Center in Littlerock, Wash., 2020 was an unusual year. Because of this, incarcerated individuals creativity held a holiday event, compliant with COVID-19 protocols, where the men were able to pick out age-appropriate gifts for their child’s age, wrap the gifts, take photos, make cards, and enjoy some cocoa. Community Partnership Program Coordinator Seanne Schlund sees these events as extremely important.
“Now they wrap their own gifts, now they can fill out their own Christmas card which that may seem very insignificant to some people but that is huge for some of these guys. The fact that they are putting in effort and they are just so positive and they want to do these things, I feel like that’s going to benefit them in prison and outside of prison,” said Schlund.
The gifts along with candy and gift-wrapping materials were donated by the Christian Motorcyclists Association. They participate in many events each year but were unable to be present this year due to pandemic protocols. The men who participated were physically distanced and wore appropriate PPE.
“It’s heartbreaking knowing that we can’t have the tree and can’t do the gifts with our kids like we did last year. It hurts but just being able to still do this, man, it’s one of the best feelings in the world,” said participant Shane Sweetman.
Events, like holiday events, support people’s success and put forth best efforts, key departmental values. The impact of these events aligns with the department’s vision to improve public safety by positively changing lives.
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