Should we give christmas presents to inmates? ( Archived) (94)

I was reading my local paper today and came across something I would like your thoughts on. A local school helps out an organization that gives gifts to the local prisons for the inmates. My first thought is what about the children? Isn't this what this time of year all about? I mean, there will be children with not enough food to eat and no presents while we're spending our time and effort to make sure inmates get gifts. I know there are plenty of organizations giving to the needy this time of year, but is it ever enough? These people are in prison for a reason. Although I do believe its important to reach out to prisoners and try to help. I just don't think this is the time of year to do it. I think we should put everything into bringing a good holiday to the children and families that don't have anything.


Am I crazy for thinking this way? What do you guys think?

As DNA testing is proving....many are wrongly convicted. What harm does it do to give a bright day to an otherwise dreary existance?

For you Christians, THINK....WWJD????

Well they have cell phones there to now, and cable tv, a gym , a spa they are living very nice. Nope they are supposed to be being punished, they don't need presents , the poor children do I agree.

I agree in a sense, but I also think Christmas is for everyone, not just children. It is about reaching out to those whom everyone has forgotten about and remembering that even though we make mistakes in life, we aren't forgotten, no matter who we are.

You are correct.....and let prisoners make gifts for children!

Nothing weird like a doll with gang tattoos or a a kit for making raison jack though!

Lela....that is really not acurate. Only those in a very few prisons have that. The average inmate is not treated like that!! Federal prisons mostly have all that.

Joe, blow, in cxounty lock-up...do not have those amenities!!

Trust me...I speak from experience!!

I just love the Christian outpouring of love when talking about the birthday of their Saviour.


Let he that is with......well you know the rest!!

A tough questions....Well i think that inmates deserve our best in helping them return to society but yes since it is Christmas i think children must have the priority. But by doing so we should't forget the children the rest of the year. They need love and support and that is quite a difficult task if their parents are facing financial problems. It's really heartbreaking to see little kids not having money to buy sweets, games etc these days. It really makes me feel pity for our cruel and ignorant society. We are looking only ourselves....How can we forget that some people need us, especially children? How can one explain to a kid that he can't live like other kids live because of the political decisions? What do they know of politics? The only thing they know at this age is to play and nothing more...That is what we should give them. We are all mourning for the poor people and promise to do whatever we can to help them. But then we forget our promises the new years eve as we rush onto the cakes, the food, exchange our expensive gifts, and pretend we are happy. Truth is that we are not allowed to be happy if people are suffering. And many are suffering!

Yes, I do agree with you on that. I know there are many prisoners that are wrongly accused. And I know there are horrible things that go in prisons. I'm not saying we as a community should not reach out to these people. After all, they will be out some day and back in society. We should be helping them improve themselves and let them know that people do care. All I'm saying is make it a different time of year. I know this is the time of giving. But, I'm sorry, I just can't help to think about a child having nothing bacause that effort was put into a prisoner.