“The holidays are a big deal for me and my family and this was my second Christmas away from them so it was looking a little gloomy. Then I got the package you sent and I couldn’t help but smile. Thank you for shining a little light on my gloomy holiday.” – MCI-Shirley Recipient, 2023

For 50 years, Concord Prison Outreach’s Holiday Gift Bag Project has carried a simple but meaningful message to incarcerated people during the holiday season: you are not forgotten. This year, our volunteers, faith partners, and community partners will come together to assemble and distribute 2,300 Holiday Gift Bags to incarcerated men and women at MCI-Shirley, MCI-Framingham, North Central Correctional Institution in Gardner, and Northeastern Correctional Center in Concord. Each bag contains simple, useful items and a holiday card that serves as a reminder to our incarcerated neighbors that they remain valued members of our community. This message is especially important during the holidays, which can be an incredibly difficult and isolating time for those separated from their families, friends, and communities.

“Thank you for your acts of care and prayers we received at MCI-Framingham and I wanted to let you know how much it means to have people in the outside care as much as you folks do. Everything in our gift bags is greatly appreciated. ” – MCI-Framingham Recipient, 2024

Volunteers Needed

Starting in early October, we will be working at four partner churches:

• First Parish Church of Stow & Acton
• Harvard Unitarian Universalist Church
• Congregational Church of Littleton
• First Parish of Sudbury

We need volunteers at each location for various time slots throughout the day. Click the link above to sign-up and learn more!

CPO plays a key role in the broader Department of Correction initiative to ensure that incarcerated people across Massachusetts receive a holiday gift bag. CPO serves the Northeastern Correctional Center, North Central Correctional Institute, MCI-Framingham, MCI-Shirley, and Souza Baranowski Correctional Center.

We Are Unable to Accept Product Donations:

Due to the scope of this project and security considerations related to collecting goods from multiple sources and points of contact, we need to centralize the ordering of gift bag supplies. Therefore, we will purchase all items in bulk and are accepting financial donations to cover the expenses.

We Welcome Your Financial Support:

If you would like to contribute to this project through a financial donation, you can do so here or by mailing a check to Concord Prison Outreach, 100 Main Street, Suite 130, Concord, MA 01742. Please include “Holiday Gift Bag” in the memo section of your check.

Supporting Holiday Gift Bags for those in prison is a meaningful act of kindness. Your donation could be the most appreciated gift you give this holiday season.