On Friday, August 18, twenty-six RRI workers at the James River Correctional Center (JRCC) volunteered their time creating and sewing “Blessing Bags” that were donated to the South Central Homeless Coalition. Two Hundred bags were produced from scrap and donated materials. These bags will be filled with hygiene type supplies such as soap, shampoo, conditioner, nail clippers, and small first aid kits, and they will be distributed to regional food banks, correctional facilities, human service centers and zone offices. RRI asked some of our volunteers why they chose to participate and donate their time to this project. Here are a few of their responses: “There are enough people mad about all that is wrong in the world. I am grateful to be happy about what is right and the good that people do.” “It’s about positive energy and I want to be part of it.” “I’ve been homeless before, so I know what it’s like.” “It is the good we need to feed and grow.” “It is nice to do something I want to do and not something I have to do. I like that I’m doing something that will make people feel good.” “No one is immune from life humbling them, so if I can help them, I’m grateful to be able to do so.” A big shout out to the South Central Homeless Coalition team for their great work and allowing RRI to be part of this project!

Rough Rider Industries made bags for the South Central Homeless Coalition Blessing Bags project