PCF makes Christmas wish come true for local kids

Monday, December 23, 2013
Representing Putnamville Correctional Facility, Major Harley Crabb, Assistant Superintendent Michael Rains and Maintenance Foreman Dennis Lovett deliver bicycles repaired by offenders to the Cloverdale High School student council's annual toy drive. Present for the delivery are (from left) Crabb, Amanda Gibboney, Rains, Lovett, Carrie Milner and Tiffany Douglas.

PUTNAMVILLE -- When it comes to kids, everyone wants to help make Christmas wishes come true. In many cases, the desire is more prevalent with incarcerated individuals.

For offenders, the separation from children and family is more pervasive during the holidays than at any other time. To fill the void, three offenders assigned to the Shifting Gears program at the Putnamville Correctional Facility spent their time repairing 30 bicycles for donation to area children.

Under the supervision of Maintenance Foreman Dennis Lovett, the offenders painstakingly replaced seats and pedals, tightened handlebars, cleaned and inspected the bikes for delivery.

Each offender expressed his pride in a job well done and the personal satisfaction of knowing that he was helping to fulfill a child's Christmas wish.

PCF Assistant Superintendent Michael Rains, Major Harley Crabb and Lovett delivered the bikes to Cloverdale High School for the school's annual toy drive. Student council members will distribute the bikes to children in Putnam County.

"The act of giving is inspiring ... seeing the effects that it has on others, humbling. The staff at Putnamville wishes everyone a merry Christmas with hopes that their Christmas wishes come true, too," PCF Superintendent Stanley Knight said.

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