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RCI and CCI Prisons help provide gifts for local foster children

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CHILLICOTHE—Cheer was certainly in the air last week as workers from the Ross Correctional Institution and the Chillicothe Correctional Institution celebrated with local foster children at their annual holiday event at the Ross County Fairgrounds.

Inmates raised money throughout the year through donations and fundraisers for staff members to purchase gifts for local foster children based on a list provided to them by Jobs and Family Services. This event has been taking place for 22 years. This year, the prisons were able to provide and wrap gifts for more than 120 children of different ages.

In total, RCI donated $3,700 and CCI donated $12,400 for food and presents. CCI’s director, Tim Shoop, said it’s great to see inmates helping the community in such an impactful way. He believes it shows how the facility is focused on rehabilitation and creating productive members of society.

Santa visited children at the Ross County Fairgrounds and the children received presents at the Curtain Climbers event on December 15, 2022 in Chillicothe, Ohio.  Members of Ross County Correctional Institution, Chillicothe Correctional Institution, South Central Ohio Job and Family Services, One Church, and Hernstein Auto Group provided Christmas presents for youth in the care of South Central Ohio Job and Family Services.

“They’re doing a phenomenal job,” Shoop said of inmates who helped raise the money.

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Each child in the care of the agency provides a list of gifts they would like to receive so that each gift is personalized and unique. Many of the children present also received more than one gift. Jody Walker, executive director of South Central Ohio Job and Family Services, said children who couldn’t attend get their presents before Christmas.

Cassie Kinker, deputy director of special services at the Ross County Correctional Institution, presents presents to a child at the Curtain Climbers event at the Ross County Fairgrounds on Dec. 15, 2022 in Chillicothe, Ohio.  Members of Ross County Correctional Institution, Chillicothe Correctional Institution, South Central Ohio Job and Family Services, One Church, and Hernstein Auto Group provided Christmas presents for youth in the care of South Central Ohio Job and Family Services.

Walker said this event is always a great time because it allows foster homes to come together and spread happiness. He also thanks the prisons for all they do to make this event possible for the families and children. While the inmates were unable to attend the event, photos were taken so they can see the impact they had on the children and the smiles they helped make.

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