Volunteers Honored at Mercer

On Oct. 16, SCI Mercer hosted a Volunteer Banquet to thank all of those who donate their time to the prison. The 17 guests that attended started their evening off with a meal prepared by the dietary department in the staff dinning. Fall was in the air as you walked into the dining hall with beautiful table arrangements prepared by Activities Manager April Harvey. After the volunteers were done enjoying their meal of roast beef braciola, mashed potatoes with gravy, carrot broccoli medley and ho-ho cake, they braved the cold rain as they all traveled to the chapel for a ceremony.

Chaplain Program Director Joseph Kosarek opened the ceremony in prayer. Protestant Chaplain Validia Giddens then introduced the Protestant choir whom sang for the volunteers. Deputy Superintendent of Facility Management William Woods then spoke, sharing with the room his memories that he's acquired over the past 20 plus years from the Volunteer Banquets at the State Correctional Institutions of Pittsburgh, Albion and Mercer. Inmates, from various groups led by the volunteers, then spoke on behalf of their groups, thanking the volunteers for all they have done. Steve Leapline was then awarded Volunteer of the Year. Steve have been volunteering and sharing his faith nearly every Monday night for the last three years at SCI Mercer. The ceremony was closed by Chaplain Kosarek by thanking everyone for all that they have done and continue to do.