In the age of limitless streaming and nonstop social media saturation, we see a lot of holiday imagery that evokes peace, joy, and plenty. But if your loved one is spending the holidays behind bars, or if you’re system-involved yourself, it can be challenging to remain in the holiday spirit when December rolls around.
At this time of year, a simple gesture like a message of love and support can make all the difference for someone who can’t spend the holidays at home with a parent, child, sibling, partner, or friend.
Want to help bring a little light into Texas prisons, jails, and juvenile facilities this holiday season?
Check out one of the events below! And if you know of an event not listed here, please email mkaigh@texascje.zocalodesign.com and we’ll add it to this page!
Truth Be Told’s Very Merry Mail Call
Where: Austin, TX
When: Friday, December 6, 2019
Truth Be Told writes: “Come join us for a family-friendly evening of writing cards to our incarcerated program participants and making Truth bracelets for the welcome home packages we send to our graduates upon their release from prison. Greeting cards, stamps and bracelet-making supplies provided! Guests will be treated to holiday sweets, savory bites and a special presentation from our graduates at 7:15 pm that you don't want to miss!”
Please RSVP at the ticket link in the Facebook event so they know to expect you!
Free Battered Texas Women’s Holiday Card Party
Where: San Antonio, TX
When: Sunday, December 8, 2019
From Free Battered Texas Women: “FBTW invites you to help us sign and address cards to our 60 incarcerated and released members. Some munchies will be provided, but feel free to bring your own. We also request donations of stamps. There will be $5 raffle tickets available for the prize: a basket of coffee. We will also have our postcards, wristbands, and newsletters for donation.”
Lone Star Justice Alliance’s Card Signing Party
Where: Austin, TX
When: Saturday, December 14, 2019
Lone Star Justice Alliance is hosting a first-ever event: “We would like to cordially invite you all to our first annual card signing party. In this new tradition of kindness, we will be sending cards to juvenile lifers across Texas to let them know they are in our thoughts. We will also be conducting a raffle and silent auction.”
Madison Kaigh
Madison Kaigh is Communications Manager at TCJE, having joined the organization in spring 2019. Her family history of justice system involvement and justice-related work have informed her passion for elevating unique voices and representing under-served communities. She uses storytelling to help TCJE and allies defeat stigmas and positively impact the narrative around system involvement. Madison received her Bachelor of Arts from Georgetown University, where she studied Government and English.