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I am the Recreation Leader at Stanley Corrections that is assigned some of the community services programs for the prison. Inmates volunteer their time to crochet, knit, sew, bead and paint items to donate to community help organizations such as: Stanley and Boyd Lion's Clubs; Stanley, Boyd, and Thorp Police Departments; Stanley/Boyd and Gilman Schools; Marathon County Backpacks for Drug Endangered Children; Bolton Refuge House, Eau Claire, WI; local nursing and assisted living homes; Skull Caps for the US Troops; and local hospitals. In 2007, 103 inmates spent over 10,000 hours crocheting/knitting caps, scarves, mittens, slippers, afghans (also lapghans), stuffed animals, wheelchair bags; sewing/quilting bags and quilts; beading necklaces, bracelets and earrings; painting wood crafts and canvases in the Stanley Hobby area or in their cells. These items are donated for Holidays and to the Police Department and local nursing homes every month. The local newspapers "The Stanley Republican" and "Eau Claire Leader Telegram" have run articles about the SCOPES donations. Residents at the nursing homes send thank-you letters, and tell the SCOPES volunteers how much they enjoyed the colorful slippers they wear and how warm the afghans have been. The Stanley Boyd Early Learning Center sent a thank-you finger-painting with hand prints from the children. Project Linus and Restorative Justice auction organizers have sent letters of appreciation. The organizers for "Scull Caps for the US Troops" have sent letters asking for more caps for the 2008 Christmas. SCOPES depends on donations of yarn, fabric, thread, plastic crochet hooks and craft/paint items. If you have any questions about SCOPES, please contact Liz Gormley at Stanley Correctional Institution, 100 Corrections Drive, Stanley WI 54768 telephone # 715-644-2960 ext. 3410. |
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