Contribute to underprivileged children with inmates
James Patterson
Marion Federal Prison Camp inmate
Dear Editor:
The inmates here at the Federal Prison Camp in Marion, Ill., are celebrating Christmas a little early this year.
I'm on a committee here at the prison that recently spearheaded a project among fellow inmates to raise money to provide Christmas presents for over 600 underprivileged children living in shelters here in the Marion area. We teamed up with retired Congressman Glenn Poshard and his foundation that helps needy kids every year at Christmastime.
I'm happy to report that the inmates here have raised almost $2,100 to help make Christmas special this year for these children, who are all in difficult and painful circumstances. Since many of us make an average $.12 an hour on our jobs, $2,100 was quite a feat for us.
Personally, I felt privileged to not only give from my "pocket" but also from my "heart." Why? Well because I am separated from my own children at this holiday time, and I'm somehow more aware of their needs as well as the needs of other children in bad situations. It's funny, but as prisoners, it seems that we are able to really be in touch with what these kids deal with ˘ the sense of abandonment, the need for hope and the need for tangible, practical love.
Our camp goal was originally only $1,000 ˘ but because so many here dug deep, we were able to more than double that amount for the needy kids that the Poshard Foundation will help this year.
Could you help us help them also?
Tax-deductible contributions can be sent to:
The Poshard Foundation
Care of: Pat's Kids
1431 Country Aire Drive
Carterville, IL 62918
One hundred percent of the funds donated are used to purchase gifts for these needy and deserving children here in Southern Illinois.
Thank you for your consideration and Merry Christmas!!
James Patterson
Marion Federal Prison Camp inmate
What About Me?
Why Lord do these things seem so real?
Is it me, why do they hurt me still?
Was I sent here to be broken or used?
Was I given the gift of life to be shattered or abused?
I am a ray of hope, in need of guidance and love.
I am a child, a seed of our father above.
I am a smiling face, who enjoys my friends.
I am tomorrow's teacher, doctor, the future at hand.
I am a new day of sunlight with warmth to share.
I am a blazing flower of beauty, who needs love and care.
I am an empty face, who needs compassion and a chance.
I am a broken spirit, a victim of circumstance.
I am the one who believes in hopes and dreams.
I know with love, I can be almost anything.
If given a chance, I will shine for all to see.
I just want to be the person, Lord, you intend me to be.
For the children, inspired by God through James Patterson, Darrell Elam and Derek Cantrell.
Copyright 2009 - Daily Egyptian
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