It’s the time of year when we gather with our loved ones to celebrate Christmas. But some people spend Christmas separated from their family and friends.
There are roughly 25,000 inmates in detention centers across the state. For more than 30 years, South Carolina Baptists have been bringing hope behind the bars to these inmates by giving them Christmas packets filled with items such as a toothbrush, toothpaste, a writing tablet, embossed envelopes, a writing pen, a bar of soap, and mints or candy.
Every year, volunteers from the convention staff, prison chaplains and inmates fill the fellowship hall at St. Andrews Baptist Church in Columbia to inspect the packets before they are distributed. A scripture booklet and Christmas card are also inserted.
Volunteer Nathan Ozmint, whose father John Ozmint is director of the South Carolina Department of Corrections, said, “I have been volunteering for five years now, and my favorite part is seeing the finished product of 24,000-plus packages for the inmates. It is very rewarding to see that huge pile of packages.”
A total of 26,662 packets were assembled for the inmates in the state.
Debbie, a former inmate, said, “From my experience, the reality hit me that people who don’t know me cared enough to put something like this together for me. It meant a lot to me, and I come back as an encouragement to the inmates.”
Packets such as these bring a message of hope to those behind bars.
Chaplain Gerald Martin said, “These packets make a huge impact on the inmates. A lot of times over the holidays, inmates feel lonely and they are out of touch with their families. It gives them comfort to know there are people who care about them and have not forgotten them.”