Group seeks donations for care packages for incarcerated women

The Northern Nevada Prison Delivery Team recently visited several correctional centers and prisons to inform inmates about the Angel Tree program. The program allows inmates to sign up their children to receive gifts for Christmas while the parent is incarcerated.

After receiving an overwhelming response from the female inmates at Silver Springs Conservation Camp, the team has decided to put together care packages of toiletry items and is asking the community to donate to their cause.

"We did have such a good response from the women's camp, we're going to put identical gift packages together and have a Christmas party for them," said the Rev. John Wiltse of Bread of Life Christian Fellowship in Mound House.

The team consists of several members each from Hilltop Community Church, Fountainhead Foursquare Church and Bread of Life. The group has been meeting about a year at the request of Jane Foraker-Thompson, supervising chaplain of Correctional Programs Division.

The music team, Java Praise, from Hilltop Community, will also be part of the party.

They have already received donations from Harley-Davidson Financial Services Inc. and Costco, but are still looking for more items.

"We need shampoo, soap, toothpaste and toothbrushes," said Betty Wiltse. "Female toiletries and hygiene products."

John said they will also offer a church service when they go to the camp on Friday. The Silver Springs Conservation Camp has about 120 inmates.

"We're also going to take cake, coffee and hot chocolate," Betty said.

"But before we did anything, we called Jane to clear it with her," John said. "If we get a good enough response from this (party), we would like to expand it to the men's prisons."

The care packages will be put together Wednesday at Bread of Life Church, 10042 Highway 50 East, Mound House. The group is asking for toiletry items, or for cash donations so they can purchase what is needed.

"I can't wait to hear the camp's choir," John added. "The women's camp has its own choir. They've been very open to our services."

"Several of the ladies have been thrilled to participate with us, and have offered their own testimony," Betty said.

"They're very fond of Marty Gray, who we have been working with. They hug her and really respect her."

John said the last time the ministry team was at the camp he felt it was an awesome service.

"It's really fun and I enjoy doing it," he said.

Donations may be made to Bread of Life Christian Fellowship, P.O. Box 20009, Carson City, 89721 or Hilltop Community Church, 3616 N. Sunridge Drive, Carson City, 89706.

- Contact Rhonda Costa-Landers at rcosta-landers@nevadaappeal.com or 881-1223.