Inmates at SCI Pine Grove have donated more than the proceeds from a charity run conducted inside the prison to Indiana County Children & Youth Services.
In a news release, the State Corrections Department says an inmate organization called Beyond the Fence held its first annual “runathon” on October 8th, with thirty inmates participating in 5K and 10K runs. They completed 772 laps equaling 74.1 miles and raised more than $600, choosing to donate the money to CYS. The money was raised through an entry fee, a fundraiser, and a donation by Beyond the Fence.
CYS Foster Care Coordinator Terri Wells says the money will go toward making child visitation rooms friendlier through the painting of murals and adding some rugs. Children and Youth Services currently has more than sixty children in foster care in Indiana County, ranging in age from infant to 18. The foster care program is suffering the effects of the opioid crisis and is in need of more foster homes. Wells and CYS Director Sarah Ross will appear on Indiana In the Morning on WCCS on Monday morning.