Third Annual Hygiene Drive
On Labor Day, September 1, 2025, incarcerated residents at California Substance Abuse Treatment Facility & State Prison (SATF) in Corcoran held its third annual hygiene drive to the help local unhoused community in Kings County by donating money and hygiene items. The event was organized and sponsored by Lives Worth Optimism, Purpose & Service (LWOPS) a Prison Activity and Support Group at SATF. All proceeds were donated to Kings Gospel Mission in Hanford, California that provides overnight shelter, a Recovery Academy, room and board facilities, and recuperative care to the unhoused community.
The event was a beautiful day of community partnership and solidarity. Musical melodies of jazz, oldies, rap, and R&B filled the air, transforming the prison yard, and reminiscent of a
community park full of smiles and laughter. The hot and sunny weather was not a deterrence for over a hundred enthused participants that congregated on B-facility’s recreation yard to support the event and enjoy the day. “Today I felt really connected to our humanity, our similarities, and ways we can be of service to our community,” says Jaime Mares, an LWOPS Group member. Participants enjoyed a fun filled day of competitive events, such as corn-hole, hit that cone, speed-walk races, and other picnic style games. Many quickly jumped at the opportunity to earn bragging rights and cheer for friends. The day was complete with a raffle giveaway for generous participants that donated to the hygiene drive and were lucky enough to have their number randomly picked.
The event was made possible with the support of SATF’s administration. This year, incarcerated residents donated a combined total of $650 in money and hygiene items like soap, toothpaste, and deodorant. “It was good to see the generosity of our community by donating to a worthy cause,” states Ahmad Thomas, a LWOPS Group member. The hygiene drive has become an annual event that is highly anticipated by the participants on SATF’s B-yard and Kings Gospel Mission. According to Robert Gapen, Manager of Kings Gospel Mission men’s facility, “We appreciate the support to help assist the homeless in Kings County.” The inside community looks forward to continuing our support and amends.
— Macio Lindsey, Inside FUEL Organizer
