LIMA, Ohio (WLIO) — Employees at the Allen Oakwood Correctional Institution helped spread holiday cheer to residents at Lockhaven this week through their annual Angel Tree Program.
Sixty-five residents received gifts Monday as part of the program. The items were tailored to each resident, with some receiving Ohio State Buckeyes or local high school apparel, while others were gifted lotions, jewelry, popcorn, and their favorite soft drinks.
Santa and his helpers delivered the presents, adding to the festive atmosphere. Following the gift distribution, inmates from Allen Oakwood performed holiday favorites during lunchtime via a live stream from the prison.
Employees say the Angel Tree Program is one way they give back to the Lima community and ensure residents know they are remembered during the holidays.
“Well, it's about giving back. We're fortunate enough to have great employment opportunities working with the state of Ohio and Department of Rehabilitation and correction, and we're fortunate to have those good jobs. And so it's about giving back the staff at the Allen Oakwood Correctional Institution, both men and women, they just enjoy coming out here and providing this service. The smile on their face, you know that says it all, the smile on their face that they're not forgotten about while they're living in assisted living. And we haven't forgot about them. We don't forget about the people inside, and we don't forget about the people inside, and that's what it's about, giving back,” says Ryan Walters, Warden, Allen Oakwood Correctional Institute.
This marks the third year Allen Oakwood employees have organized the Angel Tree Program.
