PENDLETON — At the Correctional Industrial Facility in Pendleton, inmates have been hard at work producing face masks to use in COVID-19 protection.
According to the Indiana Department of Correction (IDOC), 1,800 of those face coverings have been donated to the Veterans Administration and area nursing homes. About 4,000 went to Pendleton inmates and staff.
Warden Wendy Knight commented, "These men have worked extremely hard and recognize the importance of these masks and how they hinder the spread of COVID-19. Pairing these masks along with sanitation and communication creates a powerful weapon against this pandemic."
Pendleton isn't the only IDOC facility producing cloth masks for use in and outside of prisons. So many are being turned out that the prison system is running low of supplies.
Donations of 100% cotton material, hair ties and elastic are being accepted. The hair ties have been found to be a suitable substitute for elastic which is somewhat scarce right now.
Inmates statewide are producing thousands of masks for first responders, hospitals, local emergency management agencies, law enforcement agencies, medical clinics, grocery store staff, pharmacies, and military personnel.
If you would like to donate items for masks to the IDOC to help, please contact Community Service Director Jackie Storm at dstorm@idoc.in.gov or 812-398-5050, Extension 3117.
