Prison officials say, “Every year, HDSP staff organizes events both inside the prison walls and in the community. Within the walls, staff assists those incarcerated with organizing food, photographing sales, walks and runs. Local vendors provide food and products, and over 800 inmates participate by purchasing the items with their own money. The funds from these events are turned around in full circle and donated back to the community.
This year, staff raised funds through the annual Holiday with a Hero golf tournament, bringing in over $10,000. Proceeds benefited various charitable events and local non-profit charities within the community.
In addition, over 36,000 dollars were presented by HDSP throughout the year to more than 20 local sports teams, schools, and non-profit organizations.
Most recently, HDSP and Lassen County Superior Court have partnered with the Salvation Army to purchase Christmas gifts for Lassen County senior citizens. HDSP will be buying puzzles, word searches/game books, grocery gift cards, gift cards to Lassen Municipal Utility District, and food items for the senior residents who live at Eskaton Manor.
Warden St. Andre expressed his pride in the prison’s staff, saying he has never had to ask for help and that staff are always ready to step up in collecting donations and organizing events for the local community. St. Andre recalled an instance when HD received a call from a local school indicating their students needed coats. Staff immediately acted, organized a coat drive, and collected two large containers to deliver to the school.
In the spirit of community and compassion, High Desert State Prison exemplifies a cycle of giving, as funds raised reverberate through the local community meetings to the needs of others, creating a positive impact that extends far beyond the prison walls.
