Spreading Christmas Joy to Inmates
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…
From Receiving a Prisoner Packet to Packing Them
Each year, over 100 volunteers convene in Columbia to pack bags for the Christmas Prisoner Packet ministry, a branch of the SERVE Team at the SCBaptist Convention. This year, 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. Among the…
Successful Christmas Prisoner Packet Collection Day
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!…
Prisoner Packets: Notes from Inmates
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 Packet FAQs
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 Packing List
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. Extra approved items from the above list may be sent to NewSpring Church on collection day in a bag/box marked “extra items.”
Christmas Packets Could Launch Year-Round Prison Ministry
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…