MSO, volunteers ready donated gifts for children

Employees of the Middlesex Sheriff’s Office (MSO) and volunteers from the community joined forces to wrap presents for children with loved ones currently incarcerated at the Middlesex Jail & House of Correction (wrapping video link).  The gifts are donated each year by The Judson Association of The American Baptist Churches of Massachusetts (TABCOM) and participating congregations. 

“We are grateful to The Judson Association of American Baptist Churches and all those who donated gifts and their time this year,” said Middlesex Sheriff Peter J. Koutoujian.  “The impact this has on the lives of young children whose relatives are incarcerated is immeasurable.  That in the midst of a global pandemic, local residents ensured this tradition continued is a powerful statement about the generosity that exists within our communities.”

This year due to COVID-19 restrictions the number of volunteers able to gather in Lowell on Sunday, December 13 to wrap gifts was limited to just 10, with hundreds of gifts wrapped and readied. Gifts were then organized, labeled and moved to the Middlesex Jail & House of Correction in Billerica, where they will be distributed to families.

“The men incarcerated are appreciative because they feel like they can’t give much,” said Pastor Pierce VanDunk. “I join Sheriff Koutoujian in thanking everyone who has made this possible – those who donated, the volunteers who wrapped and my colleagues who will facilitate the distribution of these gifts.”

To learn more about the Middlesex Sheriff’s Office, please visit middlesexsheriff.org.

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