Correctional Officers Cheryl Hamilton, Laura Sanchez and Diana Solomon organized the program, and many days of the week the inmates can be found huddled together, chatting and creating hats and snowmen. All of the equipment, including circular looms and yarn, was donated by inmates’ families, area churches and the jail chaplaincy.

Dozens of hats were already shipped to Guatemala through a local church. The rest of the hats and toys will be enjoyed by Placer County foster kids and some toys will go to a children’s interview center in Auburn. Others will be handed out by patrol deputies.

Officers said the inmates have developed a sense of camaraderie since spending time together and creating items for children. One inmate said she looked forward to knitting with her mother when she was released.

A holiday food drive is also being held at the minimum-security facility. Inmates’ families bring canned food when they come to visit and the goods are then taken to the local food bank. The program will continue past the holidays. Anyone who’d like to donate food or yarn may call (530) 889-6930.