Inmates at Youngstown's supermax prison knitting winter gear for homeless, then babies

YOUNGSTOWN

Multicolored handmade hats and scarves stood out among other clothing items available to those grabbing lunch at the St. Vincent de Paul Society on Thursday.

The crocheted pieces were completed with care, as if a longtime crocheter with a penchant for perfection made them.

But these pieces actually were made by three self-taught inmates at the Ohio State Penitentiary.

“It’s vital,” said Wayne Murray, manager at the Front Street dining hall, of the collaboration with OSP and other organizations and businesses.

Last year, yarn was donated to OSP by the Catholic Diocese of Youngstown. The inmates then made scarves, hats and ear warmers for the needy.

In total, there were 109 hats, 25 scarves and 20 ear warmers made by the inmates for the those eating at the society’s dining hall.

“It gives them something to do while they are in their cells, and they feel good about giving back to the community,” said Laura Gardner, the warden’s assistant and public information officer at the penitentiary.

Next, the inmates will be crocheting hats for babies in the neonatal intensive-care unit.

Read more about the program in Friday's Vindicator or on Vindy.com.