SALINAS VALLEY — For many years, inmates from the Correctional Training Facility (CTF) in Soledad had made large donations throughout Monterey County through food sales and donation drives.
With their last food sale that took place on May 28, inmates from CTF’s A and B yards donated $6,700 to the Gonzales High School track and field program.
In their proposal for the food sale, the Inmate Advisory Council (IAC) noted that the food sale is an opportunity for the CTF community to continue to make amends and to positively impact society through charitable donations.
The inmate population paid for food that was brought into the institution by Cliff Vasquez and his staff from California Gourmet Pizza. Pizza and chicken were the most popular items on the sales list.
“Fundraisers at the Correctional Training Facility provide a meaningful way for incarcerated individuals to contribute positively to the community,” said Lt. Wil Landrum, the public information officer at CTF. “Giving back through such initiatives can help foster a sense of responsibility, personal growth and a desire for positive change. It’s great to see efforts being made to engage and involve incarcerated individuals in these valuable activities.”
Gonzales High School assistant track coach and event sponsor Michael Ramirez said he was amazed by all the work that went into the fundraiser.
“Signatures from the Warden L. Martinez and all his staff to approve the food sale, the accounting office checking on inmate funds, and the CTF staff that helped open gates and supervised the distribution of food — it was a huge group effort,” Ramirez said.
On the day of the food sale, the group received tremendous help from Officer Shannon Dunaven, Capt. K. Sirwet Binning and Valley Adult School teacher Alfredo Flores, along with all the officers that supervised on the yards.
“The AIC was fantastic for all their work with the food order forms, contacting the food vendors, and then setting up the food for distribution,” Ramirez added. “I know they were happy getting all that food.”
According to Gonzales head track and field coach Margie Daniels, the donation was very much appreciated.
“The donation was truly a blessing as more opportunities will open up for student-athletes, thanks to the generosity from CTF,” Daniels said. “Every cent donated will be used to improve our program, whether it’s taking more kids to invitationals, getting them shoes, buying implements, spikes or batons, or team activities/events like award banquets and dinners.”
