The Albion Orleans Visitor Center's Board of Directors once again collected teddy bears and other stuffed animals to be given to the children visiting their parents in the Albion and Orleans prisons this holiday season. Over 600 animals were collected from area churches and individuals. The response from the community was overwhelming and the Board of Directors extends thanks to everyone for their generosity. The Albion Orleans Visitor Center is a not-for-profit organization which provides gate side services at both the Orleans and Albion Correctional Facilities in Albion. These centers provide hospitality and a place to wait for the families, friends and children visiting inmates. Many visitors travel hundreds of miles by bus and need a place to freshen up, grab a bite to eat, and regroup before entering the facilities to visit. Statistics show that a regularly visited inmate is 85 percent less likely to return to prison. The goal in the Visitor Center is to remove obstacles from the paths of visitors and to hopefully assist in the strengthening and maintaining of family ties, according to Barbara Lehning and Sandy Heise of the Board of Directors, Albion Orleans Visitor Center. Pictured are: Bob Golden, Rev. Paul Letiecq and Marlene Welch. December 18, 2005 |
