Chester District Office employees are known for generosity and creative ideas to support their community.
Many agents keep a basketball in the trunk of their vehicle so they can stop and shoot hoops with local children when driving about, and they also carry treats for pets.
The Chester DO has also supported another way to help their community: assembling and offering blessing bags.
It started with Agent Melissa Nelson having snacks, water bottles and socks in the office for anyone who was being transported to an SCI, county jail or parole violator center. The supplies also help reentrants with fixed incomes and others who don't have family support and might need some hygiene items to get them by until they find employment.
Nelson started asking staff, family and friends to donate items they may have at home, such as travel hygiene items from trips and hotels.
As the weather turns cold, Nelson has asked for donations to support those in the community experiencing homelessness with "blessing bags."
Each bag has a hat, gloves, socks, washcloth, soap, toothbrush and toothpaste, Chapstick, water bottle and granola bar and a note with a positive affirmation. They also try to add in shampoo and conditioner, lotion, deodorant and a razor.
The bags are in the office for staff to grab as needed; some agents keep them in their cars. Nelson said she is thankful to her clerk, Tonia, for providing a large donation to make these bags a reality.