The Christmas Packet for Prisoners Project began in 1976. As the project has grown, our churches continue to give faithfully and generously. Last year, you helped raise over 25,700 packets!
Many men, women and youth have no one who cares for them. They have no visitors nor do they receive gifts at Christmas. You make Christmas special for them through this ministry. You provide hope and love. As a result, some have received the True Christmas gift. They have come to know Christ because you care.
Our goal is to give a packet to every inmate in a state-owned penal institution. This year, we need 25,000 packets. The packets are given to the inmates by volunteers from our churches or the chaplains. If your church would like to be involved in distributing the packets, contact your chaplain. He or she will appreciate your help.
2008 Packing List
- One blue or black Non-retractable Pen (no wire clip)
- One 6 oz. or larger Toothpaste
- One Adult Toothbrush (individually factory-sealed, no multi-packs)
- One 4 to 6 oz. Bar of Soap
- One junior legal or no larger than 5½" x 8" Writing Tablet (no wire-bound)
- Five Stamp-Embossed #10 Envelopes (purchased at US Post Office)
- Two Rolls of Mints (Lifesavers, Breathsavers or Mentos type)
- One 1 gallon-size Ziploc bag (for above items)
Note - Do not add items to those listed above (money, comb, personal items, etc.). Larger sizes can be substituted. See FAQ below for important information.
Please take all Christmas packets to your associational office. Contact your association for the due date! All packets are to be delivered to St. Andrews Baptist Church, Columbia on Monday, December 8 between 9:00 am and 12:00 noon. St. Andrews Baptist Church is the only drop-off point in Columbia (please do not bring packets to the Convention Building) and will only be accepted at St. Andrews on Monday, December 8. Volunteers will check the contents, add a Christmas card and scripture portion and package packets for distribution to chaplains. ALL VOLUNTEERS WELCOME!
Click here to download a PDF document of all of the information related to the Christmas Packets for Prisoners project. (You will need to print the document and then fold it into a booklet form.)
Click here to download a PDF of the poster.
Why are we so particular about what goes in the packet?
- The Department of Corrections decides what goes into each packet.
- All packets must contain the same items, quantity and sizes to prevent conflicts among the inmates. Larger sizes are acceptable.
- Extra items are removed in order to keep packets the same.
FAQ's (Frequently Asked Questions)
Do all these packets really go to the inmates?
We often hear this question. The bags are collected by prison chaplains the day after delivery at St. Andrews. Then they are handed out by volunteers at the prison soon afterward. You can join these volunteers by contacting your prison chaplain now and signing up to help.
How will you handle the 25,000 bags at St. Andrews? That sounds like a lot of work.
It is a lot of work, and a lot of fun too! You can volunteer to count and sort prisoner bags the day they are collected at St. Andrews Church. Join the WMU from your association when they are collected and delivered. We provide a good lunch and lots of fun!
Why do we need to check the contents of the bags before delivering them to St. Andrews Church?
The bags have to be checked to make sure the contents in each bag meet the requirements of the SC Department of Corrections and to be sure that nothing extra was added. By checking the contents of bags your church collected, the volunteers at St. Andrews can add the Christmas card and scripture in a more timely manner.
Why do the envelopes need to be stamp-embossed?
Loose stamps are prohibited by SC Department of Corrections policy since they can be used to smuggle illegal drugs into the correctional institution.
Can I include a gospel tract or Christmas card in the packet?
Do not add any items other than those listed. A Christmas message and scripture booklet are added to each packet before it goes to the inmate.
What if a store runs out of an item I need?
SC Baptist churches are purchasing 25,000 each of these items. Since stores may run out of items, especially in smaller areas, call the store before going to make your purchases.
Can I include a larger item than what is listed?
Items listed are generally the smallest size needed. All items must fit in a gallon-size ziploc bag with the zipper closed. Where noted, larger sizes can be substituted.
Click here to read thank you letters from inmates.
For more information, contact the Missions Mobilization Group by calling 803-765-0030 or 800-723-7242 (SC only), ext. 3801 or e-mailing Pat Brinsfield.
