21/12/2024
Help Brighten The Holidays For Plant Prisoners And Their Families
written by Kerry Cannon
The holiday season is upon us. For many this is a wonderful time of year with family gatherings, cheer, fun, and memories in the making. For others, it can be quite painful having a loved one incarcerated over a healing plant. It can be mentally and emotionally challenging for the inmates. Incarceration often creates a void in families as well as creates a financial hardship for many. This can make the holidays rather stressful for parents who incarceration leaves to be the sole provider for their family, or even grandparents who become the caretaker of grandchildren.
For years Freedom Grow has been helping Plant Prisoners and their families have a brighter holiday. The nonprofit organization collects monetary donations that are distributed to a number of prisoners commissary, and families are sent gift cards, and/or gifts. The impact this has on both prisoners and families is positively huge. This year Freedom Grow's Holiday Drive goal is to put commissary funds into the accounts of 335 plant prisoners, as well as help 250 of their children have gifts for Christmas.
Former Planet Prisoner Donald Fugitt missed several holidays with his children while serving many years of a 17.5 year sentence for the victimless crime of
conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute. Donald and his children were among many of the beneficiaries of Freedom Grow's Holiday Drive. He was asked about his experience, and shared what it meant, and still means to him.
"When I was away from my kids during the holidays I felt so bad not being able to see them, or buy them anything. So when Freedom Grow send gift cards and presents to them it literally meant the world to me, because my kids were so happy and (it) made me feel close to them even though we were so far apart. Being a recipient of Freedom Grows help and love is something I’m still very thankful for and grateful. God bless everyone at this organization." -Donald Fugitt
Donations from Freedom Grow's Holiday Drive make the holidays brighter for children of Plant Prisoners. Donald's daughter Kassidy shared the impact it had on her
" It means a lot to me to receive such a thoughtful gift. It’s not always easy during the holidays or special occasions when parents aren’t able to be there, but gestures like these make me feel truly appreciated and cared for. Their kindness fills a space that might otherwise feel empty, and it reminds me how much connection and support can come from unexpected places." Kassidy Nicole Fugitt
While Lance Gloor was serving many years of a 10 year federal sentence for legal medical Cannabis in Washington State, his daughter Ashley was a beneficiary of Freedom Grow's Holiday Drive. She shared the positive effect it had on her.
"The holidays always felt like something was missing while my dad was incarcerated. It hurt my heart knowing he was spending this special time of year alone and that my family didn't get to enjoy creating cherished memories with him. Receiving a gift from Freedom Grow always brought a smile to my face. Their support and kindness truly went a long way, especially during the holiday season. I'm so thankful for all that they did for me, my dad, and the rest of my family!" -Ashley
Lance Gloor shared his experience of being incarcerated during the holiday season, as well as being a Freedom Grow beneficiary.
"During the holidays being incarcerated, is a time when inmates, including myself, begin to deal with severe depression. This is a time of being with your family and loved ones, a time to celebrate life and happiness. In prison, just like in the real world, around the holidays things seem to slow down. Stores are closed and people are off work, that includes prison staff. A lot of times we (prisoners) spend more time in our cells while the staff is on holiday vacation. During this time all you have is your thoughts and the mental aspect can break you down.
Being a freedom grow recipient around the holidays helps inmates out . They know they have someone on their side, someone who didn't forget about them,
someone who cares and that they can rely on." -Lance Gloor
You can help bring some light and cheer to Plant Prisoners and their families this holiday season, by making a monetary donation to Freedom Grow. Every little bit adds up. No donation is too small. Due to Freedom Grow's non profit status, donations are tax deductible. Happy holidays!
Freedomgrow.org
