Positive News, El Cerrito: Inmates Handcraft Wooden Toys, Refurbish Bicycles For Needy Children

CONTRA COSTA COUNTY, CA — Many families in Contra Costa County are not rushing to stores for Black Friday sales today - their focus is on survival, not on big-ticket items. That could mean bleak holidays for their children. But more than 1,200 presents will brighten the spirits of children, thanks to the talents and efforts of inmates at Marsh Creek Detention Facility.

For 25 years inmates have created beautiful, handcrafted wooden toys in their workshop - doll houses, spinning carousels, fire trucks, cars, baby cradles, toy tractors, train sets, and more. In addition, this year they refurbished 95 bicycles.

The inmates participate in accredited shop classes taught in jail through a partnership between the Contra Costa County Office of Education and Contra Costa County Jail.

On Nov. 17, the toys and bikes were handed over to representatives of local agencies including Bay Area Rescue Mission, Brighter Beginnings, Contra Costa County Independent Living Skills Program, CCCOE Early Start Program, El Cerrito Rotary, Friends of Oakley, Shelter Inc., The Salvation Army-Antioch Corps, Shepherd's Gate, Ujima Family Recovery Services/La Casa, and VESTIA, Inc.

Also present were Contra Costa County’s Superintendent of Schools Karen Sakata and Under-Sheriff Michael Casten. “We are so fortunate to have such a wonderful agency collaboration that brings such value to our county,” said Superintendent Sakata. “With this project, these adult students will certainly bring a brighter Holiday Season to many children throughout our community.”

In addition to the 95 bicycles, the inmates handcrafted some 1,115 wooden toys.

While needy children gained holiday gifts, the inmates were learning important skills. During the 2015-16 school year, approximately 2,000 inmates in three Contra Costa detention facilities took classes in vocational programs, construction, and computer training. By the end of the school year, 52 had received a high school diploma, one earned a GED and 39 passed the HiSET exam. Students also took classes in substance abuse prevention, parenting skills and workforce readiness.

-Photos courtesy Contra Costa County Office of Education