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Angola inmates build Christmas toys for kids
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ANGOLA - A handful of inmates at Angola State Prison are sent off wooden toys and repaired bicycles to the West Feliciana Parish Sheriff's Office Wednesday.
It's part of the Angola Toy Workshop's program to give to children in need for Christmas. Inmates craft 6,000 wooden toys and repair about 300 bicycles each year. The inmates work all year to have the toys ready for Christmas.
"It's for the kids so whatever we can do to make their Christmas a little happier," said inmate John Deffenbaugh.
The toy workshop began nearly 20 years ago. It is funded by inmates who use the workshop as a way to pass time in the maximum security prison while giving back.
"Just because we're incarcerated doesn't mean we have to be apathetic to the world around us," said inmate Thomas Joyner. "It is fulfilling to be able to make toys and do some good. It gives your life meaning, gives you a sense of self-worth."
While some toys and bikes shipped off today, the inmates will get back to work preparing for next year. West Feliciana deputies will give away some of the toys Saturday.
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