By MIKE FLETCHER
Inmates at the Howard County jail received an early Christmas Thursday evening thanks to several ministry-driven holiday programs.
The Christmas Behind Bars Ministry, sponsored by Seventh Day Adventist Church, visited the jail on Thursday evening offering a small gift bag of treats and snacks to each incarcerated man and woman.
Inmates also had an opportunity to receive a Bible and religious materials, but it was not required to receive a gift bag.
The program is one of several available for those incarcerated at the Howard County jail during the holidays, said Julie Wolford, program coordinator at the sheriff department.
Volunteers from about eight Kokomo and Howard County churches each year help those jailed through Operation Angel Tree. The program for inmates gives gifts and cards to their children for Christmas.
The churches not only buy and deliver the presents — two for each child — they also place the name of the parent on the package so it appears the package is coming directly from their parent.
Angel Tree falls under the umbrella of the Prison Ministries, which provides other programs for inmates, including Bible studies.
Female inmates involved in the Almond Tree Ministries will be treated to a Christmas party over the holiday as will inmates attending GED classes, she added.
Inmates received another treat this week when Jail Commander Captain Harold Vincent announced extended visitation so inmates can spend more time with their loved ones.
Visitation will be allowed on Monday, Dec. 24, and Tuesday, Dec. 25, and will follow normal Saturday visitation hours, Vincent said.
“This extended visitation is a privilege and not a right. The conduct of the visitor, and certainly the conduct of the inmate could cause these extra visiting hours to be withdrawn,” Vincent said.
The jail population on Thursday afternoon was 324, the highest total ever for December.
“We hope the two additional visitation days will help family and friends with the stress of having a loved one incarcerated during this time of year,” said Sheriff Marty Talbert.
“This is the season of peace on earth and good will toward men. This is our gesture of good will.”
Mike Fletcher may be reached at (765) 454-8565 or via e-mail at mike.fletcher@kokomotribune.com
