Hundreds of gift boxes to be sent to prisoners in Bristol over Christmas
Gift bags contain simple items like shampoo and chocolate
Almost 1,500 gift boxes with items such as shampoo, socks and chocolate are being given to prisoners in and around Bristol thanks to a city-based charity.
Rehabilitation charity Sixty-One is running the programme and is supported by around 12 churches in the region.
Over the past week, volunteers have been busy collecting and packing the items in boxes, often lined with Christmas decorations.
They are sent to inmates at HMP Bristol, Ashfield and Leyhill.
Asked why the charity provides presents to prisoners, Tim Snowdon, from the charity, said: “Being in prison over Christmas is really grim, and the churches of Bristol want to reach out to prisoners to let them know they are being thought about at this time.”
He added: “It promotes our other support activities, such as our mentoring project which offers prisoners mentoring support when they leave prison.”
After sending the presents to prisoners each year, the charity receives many letters of thanks from recipients of all faiths.
Items are also given to prison staff to recognise the work they do in ‘really challenging circumstances’, Mr Snowden said.