The holidays were a little brighter for some Dunn County individuals and families this year after County Jail residents recently made 12 fleece-tie blankets to donate to Bridge to Hope, which provides services those affected by domestic violence.
The jail residents also made door decor for the nonprofits Arbor Place and Stepping Stones, and the Monarch House also received fleece-tie blankets, said Heather Pyka, Dunn County Jail Program Director.
“I started this project about eight or nine years ago to give back to local nonprofits,” Pyka said. “For the jail residents, it is gratifying doing something for other people.”
About 25 jail residents participated in some way, Pyka said, working in pairs to cut and tie fleece fabric using safety scissors. Half of the materials were donated, while the remainder was purchased by the county.
Pyka said this project to help nonprofits has become a November tradition.
“We appreciate the support we have gotten from county and jail administration, supervisors, staff and the nonprofits,” Pyka said. “We are trying to give our jail residents an avenue to build empathy and have a positive impact on the community.”
