LIMA — Volunteers from the Mercy Health-St. Rita’s volunteer auxiliary made a special delivery to Allen-Oakwood Correctional Institution Friday, carrying bags filled with dress shoes, clothing and personal hygiene products to stock in the prison’s re-entry store.
The store is stocked with suits, ties, dress shoes, work boots, casual clothes and other personal items for men leaving the prison.
“It gives them confidence,” Warden Angela Stuff said.
The idea came from Brenda Guice, an administrative assistant for deputies employed at Allen Oakwood, who founded the store two years ago so men returning home had access to nicer clothes than a sweatshirt and a pair of sweatpants, particularly as they prepare for job interviews.
This is the first donation from the St. Rita’s Auxiliary to the re-entry store, which typically relies on donations from the Neighborhood Relief Thrift Store, Bob’s Cleaners and prison staff.
Volunteers learned about the store while collecting blankets knitted by prisoners at Allen-Oakwood for nursing home residents.
“We’re giving dignity back to the gentlemen who are coming back into society,” said Janice Ball, an outreach committee member for the auxiliary. “If you have a nice pair of shoes or a new outfit, that makes you feel better about yourself.
“We wanted to help with that transition.”
