CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WAND) - As Christmas approaches, many families are writing letters to Santa, but the Ripple Effect program in Champaign is writing letters to those who are incarcerated.
"Sometimes this mail is all they get; it's a lifeline sometimes. Sometimes, they get it just when they need those encouraging words," said Annette Douglas, coordinator of Ripple Effect.
The Illinois Department of Corrections has a new mail scanning policy aimed at preventing contraband from entering prisons. Douglas's son is incarcerated.
"They're going to, just scan the mail and send it through their tablet, and it would only be there for maybe six months, and then it's going to be erased," Douglas said.
Among the mail being digitized, IDOC prohibits mail that includes crayon, glitter, or other craft material. Families could only use ink pens to decorate holiday cards. Many feel some mail policies impact those behind bars and their loved ones.
"This is going to be very stressful. Depressing. During the holidays, people are down already," Douglas said.
Now Douglas works alongside community members, making sure these letters uplift people on the inside. Last Friday, Ripple hosted a holiday card event.
"The kids that come, they're happy to draw those pictures. They're trying to figure out how to fill out an envelope, so it's a really good thing for the children as well as the grown-ups," Douglas said.
Events like this are welcome to everyone, even if you don't have someone incarcerated. Douglas said anyone can be a blessing.
For current mail regulations, visit the Illinois Department of Corrections mail page.
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