DOC Pagago unit gives back

On Dec. 12 the Department of Corrections Papago Unit inmates donated $742 to the Douglas Fire Department’s for Toys for Tots program.

Inmates held a fundraiser and gave half to Toys for Tots. Approximately 100 inmates participated in this fundraiser.

“The inmates participate in these fundraisers to pay back to society. A lot of our inmates work around town. We have inmates we clear to work in the community. They get paid for that but it’s a stipend,” Papago Deputy Warden, Tom Paplawsky said. “Mostly they are trying to pay back to the community for the things they have done. This is sort of restoration of justice program, were they have the opportunities to pick charities that are worthwhile to donate part of the money they have earned.”

The program is part of the Restorative Justice program to give back to the community.

The Restorative Justice Program holds offenders directly accountable to the victims and the community they harmed.

Offenders take full responsibility for their actions. This requires the offender to understand how their actions affected others, acknowledging that their actions were a conscious choice they made, and their actions caused others harm.

In taking responsibility for their actions, they also need to repair the harm where possible and avoid harmful actions in the future.

The inmates hold fundraisers throughout the year to help many local organizations.

“We are very thankful to them,” Douglas Fire Chief Mario Novoa said. “This is a very positive thing they are doing, everyone deserves a second chance.”