Activism

Formerly Incarcerated Giving Back to Hold Toy Giveaway December 18

“This toy giveaway is a much-needed service for those of us who have been previously in prison for a crime against our community,” said Richard Johnson, a formerly incarcerated Oakland Post columnist. “…Now that we’re back in society we wish to give back in many forms that helps to restore promise while giving peace and redemption that our actions in the past aided in the destruction of our society that we now live in. Unfortunately, due to the red tape (efforts to reach) the target class of children of the formerly incarcerated (is stymied.)”

Published

5 years ago

December 4, 2021

Oakland Post

By Post Staff

Richard Johnson is a formerly incarcerated Oakland Post columnist who has formed a non-profit organization called Formerly Incarcerated Giving Back to provide toys, food, clothes and gifts to families who have a loved one who is incarcerated or is now re-entering society.

Johnson says he wants to make sure that these families don’t get overlooked by verifying and validating that these families qualify.

“This toy giveaway is a much-needed service for those of us who have been previously in prison for a crime against our community,” Johnson said. “…Now that we’re back in society we wish to give back in many forms that helps to restore promise while giving peace and redemption that our actions in the past aided in the destruction of our society that we now live in. Unfortunately, due to the red tape (efforts to reach) the target class of children of the formerly incarcerated (is stymied.)”

Understandably, Johnson says, the ways to determine which children should receive gifts is limited.

Therefore, he will rely on trusted messengers such as pastors and community-based nonprofit organizations to provide verified names of families of the formerly incarcerated.

“We want to ensure that we reach those who truly need these items. We are asking the various churches to submit names of their parishioners so that the pastors can verify the necessary information.

“We hope the county social services agencies will alert their clients. The various public safety departments, attorneys, parole offices and others who can’t provide or publish their client lists can be helpful by communicating directly to the families they’ve served to inform them of the opportunity to receive gifts during this season of giving.

“We will need volunteers who may have a few hours to spare on this historic occasion to come out and assist us to make this occasion a memorable one for the children most in need. Toys and gifts for 300 or more children is the current targeted number.

Please visit www.postnewsgroup.com after December 5 to respond, volunteer or to donate gift items.