Inmates at the Bulloch County Correctional Institute (BCCI) have stepped up in a big way to support the community in the aftermath of Hurricanes Debby and Helene. Moved by the devastation and the growing need for food and supplies in the community, the inmates decided to use their own commissary funds to help those in need.
More than 100 inmates contributed to the effort, purchasing over 1,000 packages of Ramen noodles to donate to the Statesboro Food Bank. The idea came from one inmate, who has a long-standing tradition of saving up food for an annual Christmas giveaway. This year, after witnessing the hurricane’s impact, he reached out to BCCI Warden Robert Toole with a proposal to hold a food drive among the inmates.
"Every year, I do a Christmas drive right here, and I donate stuff for Christmas," the inmate explained. "For this year, I say, you know, with everything going on, I wanted to donate it to that." After receiving approval from the warden, the inmate offered to match whatever donations the other inmates made. The result was overwhelming, with more than half of the facility's population participating in the drive.
Warden Toole praised the inmates’ initiative and the sacrifices they made to contribute. "It really makes you feel good when you see inmates want to help the community that they’re actually housed in," Toole said. "They realize Bulloch County took a big hit with the hurricane, and they wanted to give back."
The food drive is just the latest in a series of efforts by BCCI inmates to assist with the hurricane recovery. In addition to the food bank donation, the inmates have been helping with tree and debris removal and unloading food and water donations throughout the county.
For the inmates, the chance to give back to the community is deeply meaningful. "I love to give to people," the lead inmate shared. "A lot of times, inmates think it’s all about receiving. But to receive your blessing, you’ve got to give. That’s just how my mama raised me."
With their commissary funds limited, the donation was a significant sacrifice for the inmates, but one they were more than willing to make. "They took a little bit out of what they spend on themselves and gave it to the community," Toole added. "It shows the change in their thinking, and that’s what we’re here for."
Thanks to the generosity and efforts of the BCCI inmates, the Statesboro Food Bank now has additional resources to continue its support of the community during this difficult time.