Every year at this time we hear stories about Christians donating to causes that help the families of prisoners. We have a story today about prisoners giving back.
2.7 million children in the U.S. have a mom or dad in prison. Their lives are often filled with abandonment, loneliness and shame. For many, it may also include following their parents down the same destructive road to incarceration.
Angel Tree, a program of Prison Fellowship, reaches out to the children of prisoners and their families with the love of Christ. This unique program gives you an opportunity to share God’s love by helping to meet the needs of the families of prisoners.
Angel Tree connects parents in prison with their children through the delivery of Christmas gifts. In most cases, local church volunteers purchase and deliver gifts and the Gospel to children in the name of their prisoner-parent.
But here’s another story you don’t often hear about…..Every year, prisoners at the Mike Durfee State Prison for rehabilitation in South Dakota repair, and repaint hundreds of bicycles that are handed out to underprivileged children throughout the state at the end of the year.
It’s all part of the Pedal Power from the Pen program
After being refurbished by the Durfee inmates, the bikes are distributed to churches, non-profit agencies, or to children of inmates that are in need of two-wheeled transportation. Not only is the program a great way to help kids get around, it allows inmates to give back to the community.