RSSLocal inmates rewarded for fundraising efforts
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Inmates at Yakima's state prison raised $201 for a local charity and got a break from prison chow on Super Bowl Sunday.
The inmates at Ahtanum View Corrections Center on Wednesday presented the money to Children's Wishes and Dreams, a local organization that grants wishes for children with serious medical conditions.
Once a quarter, the prison arranges with a local store -- most often Rosauer's -- to deliver food items selected by the inmates for a special meal. The Super Bowl menu was fried chicken, a sub sandwich, a chicken enchilada or ice cream, which is the most popular.
The inmates pay a dollar or two for the items under a special prison program; the food vendor usually offers a discount as well.
The money paid by the inmates then goes to the charity.
Since selecting Wishes and Dreams as their favored charity about 18 months ago, the inmates have donated more than $2,000.
Considering that they earn 42 cents an hour at prison jobs and can't make more than $55 a month, it's a decent chunk of change.
The Wishes and Dreams executive director, Heidi Anderson, was on hand to accept the donation at a Wednesday afternoon ceremony.
Paula Andrew, the prison's food manager, said the inmates appreciate the opportunity to support a local charity. The program also gives the prison a chance to connect with the community.
Prison Superintendent Jane Parnell, who took over in December, used the opportunity to meet for the first time with the inmates.
Ahtanum View, at 64th and Washington avenues, houses about 120 inmates. It is the state's only prison for convicts who are elderly or disabled or need special medical treatment.
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