Watch CBS News

Eastern State Penitentiary Hosts Toy Drive Benefiting Children With Incarcerated Parents

By John McDevitt

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Eastern State Penitentiary in Fairmount is helping to make the holidays a little brighter for children with parents in jail.

If you bring a new unwrapped toy or book for the kids to Eastern State Penitentiary, the historic site will grant a second tour admission free of charge. The toy drive is a partnership between Eastern State and Philadelphia FIGHT's Institute for Community Justice where Kai Yohman is Operations Coordinator.

" In the U.S. right now one in 28 kids have a parent in jail so for folks whose parents are in jail or whose parents or caretakers have recently been released, you know it could be hard getting a stable job, getting income, being able to provide especially gifts or stuff like that around the holidays," said Yohman.

The toy drive is going on now through December 14th at Eastern State Penitentiary at 22nd and Fairmount. Items can also be dropped off at the Institute for Community Justice at 21 South 12th Street on the 7th floor.

 

You may also be interested in:

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.