Inmates at Hardee CI Giving Santa's Elves Some Competition

Santa’s elves had better watch out this holiday season, because the inmates at Hardee Correctional Institution’s (CI) Vocational Carpentry class are giving them some competition in the toy-making department.

On December 14, 2011 Hardee CI delivered to the Hardee County Sheriff's Department approximately 240 toys handmade by Hardee CI inmates participating in the vocational carpentry program. Scrap lumber and donated supplies were used to create the toys, which will be delivered to needy children in Hardee County over the holidays. The program consists of approximately 22 inmates who are provided the opportunity to give back to society while learning a trade and earning a carpentry certificate.

(Above starting left) Hardee CI Major M. Jones, Carpentry Supervisor Jonathan Winters, Asst. Warden G. Morris, Colonel W. Brazil and Warden D. Lawrence along with the inmates who created these homemade toys for children in the Hardee County community.