Nonprofit to give 600 care packages to inmates, staffers at Pinal County jail on Christmas Eve

PHOENIX — Nothing dampens the Christmas spirit like being behind bars, which is why a nonprofit will hand out hundreds of goodie bags at the Pinal County Detention Center before Christmas.

This is the third year Good News Global has been giving out inmate care packages called “Hope Packs,” according to Jon Evans, the nonprofit’s president.

“So inmates, we refer to as a ‘forgotten people’ group,” Evans told KTAR News 92.3 FM on Tuesday. “The whole purpose of our Hope Pack campaign is to let people know that they are not forgotten.”

What’s in the inmate care packages?

These goodie bags include goodies, treats and an inspiring activity book that will show them they’re not alone. Local churches put together the personalized gift, which include Christmas cards, hygiene items and a 2025 calendar.

“All the money that’s part of the production and providing them comes from churches in the community who want to express their love and care for those who are behind bars,” Evans said.

This year, 600 Hope Packs will be given at the Pinal County Detention Center. That’s part of a worldwide total of 65,000 Hope Packs the nonprofit will distribute across 150 jails in 17 states and 20 countries.

Why nonprofit gives out inmate care packages around Christmas

Receiving goodie bags helps make inmates feel less alone during the holidays, Evans said.

“At Christmas time, the fact that there are haves and haves nots is amplified,” he said. “What I mean by that is: There are those who have family and friends who visit and write and reach out and making calls and so on. And then there’s the others who have no one.”

Hope Packs serve as a way to level the playing field, he added. No matter who an inmate is — or who they have or don’t have to talk to — they’ll receive a Christmas present.

“That just provides a basic level of humanity,” he said. “The response, by and large, is extremely positive because in many jails, in particular, nothing like this has ever been done.”

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