Hundreds of San Quentin residents donated hygiene supplies to help provide over a hundred care packages for indigent residents and newcomers to San Quentin.
The idea came to fruition when residents Troy Makanski, Coby Phillips, and Tony Tafoya worked in a communal effort with California Model Correctional Officers Hauwert, Kruse, and Sergeant Brenice. The Inmate Advisory Council and the organization People in Blue also contributed. The parties joined to collect, package, catalogue, and distribute donations. According to Phillips, this was the first time the entities worked together.
“I am grateful that I could help provide a care package,” Makanski said. “It sets a tone for the kind of community San Quentin is, and the environment we are in. We want people to feel welcomed when they arrive here.”
The donated items totaled over $1,000 in value, which Phillips said left everyone encouraged and surprised.
“People were giving out of the kindness of the hearts, not for a laudatory chrono,” Phillips said.
The donation sheet stated donors would receive chronos only for donations of a total value of more than $5, but Phillips said a majority of donations did not meet that threshold.
The California Model resource team distributed kits that included soap, deodorant, a toothbrush, and toothpaste. The team said they have begun thinking about ways to improve their operations.
“Despite most people not receiving anything from the first drive, most people appreciated the effort put forth,” team member Hauwert said.
“Events like this one are important because there are a lot of individuals who cannot afford canteen,” resident Koo Vang said.
Makanski said he felt good about thinking of others and putting their needs first. He added that he recalled the terrible taste of the state-provided tooth powder and the times in which returns of property after transfers experienced delays.
“I have been in a position where I did not have hygiene and I can relate with individuals who have nothing.”
“This is the first time I have been part of a positive community,” Phillips said. “Nowhere else can you come up with an idea and administration will get behind it. San Quentin is the shinning star of the California Model.”
