A group of 20 inmates at Deer Ridge Correctional Institution has donated $1,200 to the Madras Community Food Pantry — a contribution that club president Sam Hannah says reflects a commitment to community, rehabilitation, and showing that change is possible.
The donation came from the facility’s Positive Action Club, which regularly selects local organizations to support, including past recipients like the Family Access Network and the Girl Scouts. The group raised the funds through a sandwich fundraiser operated through a business in La Pine, though the effort didn’t go entirely smoothly.
“It was a little more expensive than what we usually do,” Hannah said. “So we usually raise a little bit more money.”
The fundraiser initially brought in only $700. Rather than stop there, club members dug into their own pockets to bring the total to $1,200 — a detail that moved Hannah.
“When you see guys that aren’t participating in the fundraiser, and they’re not buying food, but they’re still kicking into the charitable donation, it really warms my heart,” he said.
“Change Is Possible”
For Hannah, the gesture carries meaning beyond the dollar amount. As someone who is incarcerated, he said he wants to demonstrate that people behind bars can still be good neighbors and positive forces in the community they’re part of.
“For me, to be able to do something positive that affects the broader community and shows just care and concern is important to me,” Hannah said. “To show that change is possible, rehabilitation is possible, and that even though prison limits my circumstances doesn’t limit my effect on the broader community.”
Hannah is also one of the first graduates of Central Oregon Community College’s new associate’s degree program at Deer Ridge, which held its inaugural graduation ceremony on June 9. Nine students received degrees at that ceremony, with COCC staff and supporters in attendance giving graduates a standing ovation.
The Madras Community Food Pantry serves hundreds of Jefferson County residents experiencing food insecurity. Donations can be directed through local community service organizations.