By Jennifer Bonck

One of the many quilts made through the community outreach program.

Since 1992, female inmates at the Federal Prison Center in Lexington have been making quilts and blankets for the NICU and other agencies in need.

Lexington, Ky. (Nov. 26, 2002) -- Nothing conjures images of warmth, comfort, peace and security like blankets. A special community initiative is bringing such warm gifts to the University of Kentucky Children's Hospital neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) this holiday season.

Since 1992, female inmates at the Federal Prison Center in Lexington have been making quilts and blankets for the NICU and other agencies in need. The project relies entirely on the volunteerism of its participants and the donations of the community.

The Community Relations Board at the prison has spearheaded this and many other service projects among both male and female inmates. For instance, inmates make wooden cradles, wagons and push toys for donation to holiday gift programs for the needy. The prison also tends a vegetable garden, where food is grown and donated to God's Pantry.

Board President Sally Leukefeld calls the service program a "win, win, win" situation. "We go out and find a need and fulfill it," she said. "The prisoners go outside of themselves to serve others and this in turn benefits them as well as the community."

To make a donation of fabric or yarn to the quilt program, please call (859) 263-8707. Your donation will be picked up at your request.