“It was wonderful … Thank you so much … It made me feel human.”
Those were some of the prisoners’ reactions to the Christmas caroling by a group of volunteers who strolled through San Quentin cell blocks and dormitories on Dec. 19.
Most of the inmates stopped what they were doing as the carolers arrived. Many joined in singing a half-dozen Christmas songs. The odds-on favorite was The Little Drummer Boy.
In one dorm, a prisoner used his hands to pound out the drum beat on a nearby metal table.
About 60 volunteers braved the chilly evening to take part in the annual event. They were escorted by a number of inmates.
“It makes a huge difference for these men who are separated from their families at Christmas,” commented one escort.
“They don’t do this at any other prison,” said another. He recalled some years ago when he was transferred to San Quentin. “I was lying in my bunk, and I thought I heard singing. I couldn’t believe it, but there they were. Tears rolled down my face as I remembered happy times as a youngster around the Christmas tree.”
The holiday season sometimes means increased suicides, one escort noted. “This helps to cut that back.”
“It is an inspiring, blessed event. It stirs up wonderful childhood memories. The men are very grateful,” commented Protestant Chaplain Mardi Jackson.
“The men would gather around and join in the singing with smiles on their faces,” said one of the leaders, Music Minister Steve Howell of Tiburon Baptist Church. “Tonight they recognized these songs that so many know and that have been in their hearts for years.”
