At 43 years old, Charles has spent almost half of his life behind bars. His journey through incarceration began when he was in his late twenties. “You are just beginning adulthood at that stage. Still childish a little bit. So I grew up in prison,” Charles said. Charles begins his day with work in carpentry,…
Faith, Hope, and Forgiveness in Prison Read More »
For nearly 50 years, SCBaptists have cooperated together to provide gifts for every inmate in South Carolina’s prison system. “If you’ve ever wondered what it looks like for 150 plus Christ followers to get together and do something meaningful and impactful, you’re looking at it,” Tony Wolfe, SCBaptist Executive Director-Treasurer, said. This year, SCBaptists, partnering
Prisoner Packets Spreading Hope Behind Bars Read More »
Steven Hendricks, chaplain at Goodman Correctional Institution, is helping with an inspiring initiative to bring the spirit of Christmas to inmates. Joined by fellow chaplains and dedicated volunteers, Hendricks is diligently assembling Prisoner Packets, gift bags for those incarcerated, ensuring they feel the warmth of the holiday season within the prison walls. More than Simple
Spreading Christmas Joy to Inmates Read More »
Each year, over 100 volunteers convene in Columbia to pack bags for the Christmas Prisoner Packet ministry. In 2023, 130 volunteers received over 23,000 packets and processed 17,500 of those packets. Volunteers come from all across the state, through various ministries and churches. Since 1976, South Carolina Baptists have been caring for inmates and providing
From Receiving a Prisoner Packet to Packing Them Read More »
Thank you so much for serving with us on Monday, December 5th for our Christmas Prisoner Packet Collection Day! We had 130 volunteers gather to process packets and prepare them for distribution to every inmate in South Carolina. We received over 23,000 packets that our SCBC churches created, and our volunteers processed 17,500 of those packets!
Successful Christmas Prisoner Packet Collection Day Read More »
Each year following the distribution of prisoner packets we receive notes from thankful inmates across the state. Here are a few we have received in recent years. “A care package ministers to the spirit of a man or woman in prison. Many inmates have no one in the free world. You may be the only
Prisoner Packets: Notes from Inmates Read More »
Why do the envelopes need to be stamp-embossed? Loose stamps are prohibited by the South Carolina Department of Corrections policy since they can be used to smuggle illegal drugs into the facilities. Can I include a gospel tract, Christmas card, or note in the packet? No. You may NOT add tracts, cards, or notes to
Prisoner Packet FAQs Read More »
Approved Packing List from the SC Department of Corrections ALL ITEMS MUST FIT IN THE ZIPPER BAG WITH ZIPPER CLOSED SECURELY. DO NOT INCLUDE: washcloths, toothbrush holders, floss, combs, or any item not on the above list. Extra approved items from the above list may be sent to NewSpring Church on collection day in a
Prisoner Packet Packing List Read More »
South Carolina Baptists and their ministry partners ensured that every inmate in the state received a Christmas packet this year. In all, 24,514 packets were collected for the Department of Corrections facilities, including the Department of Juvenile Justice, that included basic personal items and materials sharing the hope of the gospel. About 140 volunteers and
Christmas Packets Could Launch Year-Round Prison Ministry Read More »
