Prison staff ensure kids are warm this winter
NILAND – Calipatria State Prison staff brought additional holiday cheer to Grace Smith Elementary school students here recently as part of its annual Tootsie Tree event.
This year, 83 students were given beanies, gloves, socks, small toys, cookies and juice donated by Calipatria prison staff, much like they have for the past 26 years.
In addition, kindergarteners Atreyu Atkisson and Lya Leon received new bicycles, after being chosen by their teachers for their exemplary behavior in assisting fellow students with work and demonstrating academic excellence.
The bicycles were donated by the facility’s personnel department, after having learned of the annual Christmas tradition that colleagues from the records department have organized since shortly after the facility opened.
The Tootsie Tree event aims to provide children here with warm clothing to safeguard against the cold and illness, and further promote school attendance.
Correctional Counselor II Gabriela Nunez, along with four staff members, made the trip to the Niland school Thursday and spoke with students on the importance of staying warm and healthy during winter months.
“Right now, your education is the single most important part of your life,” Nunez told the students.
Nunez said she was honored to take part in the annual tradition, which she has headed for the past 17 years.
“This year is especially emotional for me, because this year I retire,” Nunez said. “However, this will not be my last year attending this event”.
The annual collection and distribution of the goods is made possible by volunteers who long ago decided to “adopt” the school to provide its students with some additional Christmas cheer.
Correctional Counselor II Gabriela Nunez, along with four staff members, made a trip to Grace Smith Elementary School in Niland recently to deliver beanies, gloves, socks, small toys, cookies and juice donated by Calipatria State Prison staff to 83 students. PHOTO PROVIDED