SC inmates send handmade cards, gifts to nursing homes

COLUMBIA, SC (AP) – Inmates in South Carolina prisons have made 2,000 cards and gifts for people in nursing homes across the state.

The Corrections Department said hand-made cards, jewelry, knitted caps and footies, stuffed animals, bookmarks, blankets and other items were delivered Thursday to nursing homes across the state.

Offenders at Trenton CI are making masks to donate to health care workers, first responders and children at the @RMHCColumbiaSC and @RHMCAugusta. The men have made about 75 so far out of material donated by Trenton staff. #WeAreCorrections #TellOurStory pic.twitter.com/IG0F0L5fWp

— SC Dept. Corrections (@SCDCNews) May 1, 2020

Nursing homes have been closed to visitors for almost two months because of the coronavirus.

Prison officials say hundreds of inmates participated in what was called “Operation Spread the Joy,” and some of them mentioned how much it meant to them to get a card or a small gift.