LEXINGTON, Okla. – Incarcerated men in the Oklahoma Department of Corrections are giving back from behind bars. In a remarkable display of compassion and community spirit, inmates at Joseph Harp Correctional Center and Lexington Reception and Assessment Center are launching a “food and funds drive” this holiday season to support struggling families during difficult times.

At the JHCC prison barber shop, men use their small salaries to buy food items from the prison canteen. So far, their efforts have successfully stocked three area food pantries in Purcell, Lexington, and Noble. Their contributions provide an essential resource to those in need.

“Seeing the government shutdown and the holidays upon us, we know there are a lot of people in need,” an inmate said. Inmate Billy Bradford added, “It feels good to be able to give back. Everyone is happy with it and it makes me feel great to be a small part of it.”

The ongoing food drive will run through Christmas, highlighting the inmates’ dedication to giving back and their wish to make a positive difference in the community.

“These guys are great and a lot of people don’t get to see that,” said JHCC secretary Jami Tijerina. “Being a part of this food drive lets people see not everyone in prison is a bad guy.”

In another meaningful effort, men at the Lexington Assessment and Reception Center are giving back. Students from Oklahoma Baptist University’s Divinity program started a fundraising campaign to help hungry families. They encouraged the incarcerated men to contribute as much as they could.

“We motivated guys, can you give a quarter, can you give ten cents? Those cents will add up to dollars.” Inmate Jason Cline shared. “The scripture tells us about the woman who gave two pennies. She gave what she didn’t have. We used that to inspire others to give what they can, even if it’s only a few cents.

Together, they raised an amazing $6,000, which was donated to a local church food pantry serving families in need.

“All the guys will say it’s very heartwarming to know on Thanksgiving there are going to be children who wake up and get to have a meal,” Cline added. There are families who were worried about putting food on the table.”

“This speaks highly of these men thinking beyond themselves,” OBU Director of Prison Divinity Program Dr. Bruce Perkins said. “They are giving to a worthy cause outside the fence and they deserve to be recognized for something good.”

Both initiatives emphasize a powerful message of redemption and community spirit. Even in tough circumstances, the desire to help others stays strong, even behind prison walls and fences.