PEF, Community Groups Make Holiday Gift Giving Special for Deserving Parolee Families

ALBANY, NY (12/12/2015)(readMedia)-- Leaders and members of the New York State Public Employees Federation (PEF) kept a 25-year holiday tradition alive today by wrapping toys and gifts, and assembling food baskets for families of deserving parolees.

"The parole officers PEF represents are an example of how dedicated our members are to their careers," said PEF President Wayne Spence. "As a parole officer myself, I know this annual event has a significant and positive effect on the recipients. It illustrates how parole officers raise the bar when it comes to caring about their parolees and helping their families. The positive response from those selected is what inspires us to keep this unique tradition every holiday season."

This year, parole officers nominated families who have been working and trying to get ahead, but struggling financially. More than two dozen children will receive gifts. They are delivered when the parole officers do home visits. But one parolee family, with children and a newborn, attended today's wrapping event where they received their gifts.

Susan Jeffords, organizer of the event and a PEF-represented parole revocation specialist, said, "It makes a big difference when someone is trying to succeed at a new life, and receives kindness from others, especially when it comes as a surprise. Communities also benefit when parolees are no longer considered a danger, but rather productive members of society. This event helps parolees realize people care and want to help them succeed."

The parole officers were joined by members of the community who share in the belief that supporting the working poor contributes to positive attitude and behavioral changes.

The gifts and money raised to purchase the food baskets were made by PEF, parole officers, Albany County Public Defenders Office, the state Department of Corrections and Community Supervision staff, Kindlon Shanks and Associates, and the Cheryl Coleman Law Office.

"This is a worthwhile project because it helps those on parole who are trying to improve and want to change their lives for the better. It also gives their families something to look forward to this holiday season, when they may not have otherwise," said Samantha E. Koolen, an attorney at the Albany County Public Defenders Office.

PEF represents 51,000 professional, scientific and technical state employees, including approximately 800 parole officers statewide.

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