COOL inmates

A half a dozen minimum security inmates at the Missouri River Correctional Center in Bismarck, ND are getting into the Christmas spirit by fixing up toys and bikes that have been donated since early November. These men are a part of the "Christmas Playpen" project which also includes the local paper, the Salvation Army, Go Mini's storage, Dan's Supermarket, and Trans Trash.

To date, the men have completed about 50 bikes and around 12 boxes of toys. The men express that they enjoy the process of fixing toys and bikes for children who more than likely wouldn't be receiving Christmas gifts.

James Thompson states, "Anything that requires using my hands, I like. I figured, if we're going to give back to society, we might as well start here."

Brandon Baumeister expresses that he not only likes the work because he went to school for auto and diesel mechanics but, "It helps out the kids too."

Brandon Anderson adds, "No. 1, I love helping out. The children getting bikes, that's the biggest sticking point for me."

Joe Jennings loves helping as well, "Doing this feels good and it feels good to give back and make sure kids have a good Christmas."

Here's to you inmates for making cool use of your time-stay positive, stay generous, and STAY COOL!

What do you think of this program? Would you donate toys for this cause?