Story Published: Dec 19, 2009 at 12:14 PM PST
Story Updated: Dec 19, 2009 at 12:14 PM PST
Staff from the Idaho Correctional Institution in Orofino and the North Idaho Correctional Institution in Cottonwood visited the kids living at the home.
"Today we have put ornaments on the trees and the children have listed three things that they have wanted," said Idaho Correctional Institution Sergeant Brenda Layne. "The staff at ICIO and in Cottonwood have selected a gift and have brought them here today and now we are delivering them so the children have one present to open."
Gifts were purchased by staff members and their families. Inmates also got involved, making gifts and donating money.
"They absolutely loved it," said Layne. "They wanted to give back and they found a way. They have some excellent skills. They made crocheted hats and scarves and mittens and some pillowcases and some stuffed animals that they made and some beaded crosses."
Along with the gifts, the staff spoke to the kids about making smart choices. Layne said the kids asked for and received music and lots of sports equipment.
"Oh they are so happy," said Layne. "They love them. Especially when they know the offenders made them for them. Kind of carrying on a message saying ‘don't make the same mistakes we did.’"
