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.
“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.
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.
“Anytime we get a chance to get everyone together and do something fun, it’s great,” said Walker.
A foster parent, Heather Umsted, has been coming to the event for several years, and while she usually fosters babies, she said it’s still always an exciting time for her and other foster parents and children.
Another foster parent, Nicole Bell, said this event is always fun for the kids. She has been fostering children for almost 20 years now and said they are always thrilled with the gifts they receive.
“The kids always have a good time,” Bell said.
For everyone at the event, the children were the focus, but for the children, Santa Claus was the guest of honor. Santa Claus was played by Corrections Officer Virgil Flannery who has been doing this for many years in various locations. Flannery said he enjoys doing this because he sees the smiles on children’s faces when they meet him and get their presents.
Shelby Reeves is a reporter for the Chillicothe Gazette. You can email her at SReeves@gannett.com or follow her on Twitter @Shelby_Reeves_
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