Community in Action
Join One Spirit in Action (OSIA) in supporting a drive, together with IPP, to
collect enough items for 30-50 Release Bags by May 31, 2026.
Donate Items for Release Bags — Recognize the Sacred Work
Interfaith Prison Partnership (IPP) works to improve the lives of persons involved with the justice system, currently focusing on persons in New York State’s Bedford Hills and Taconic facilities.
People being released from prison leave with little to no essential items, not even so much as a toothbrush or a comb. Often, they are released to homeless shelters rather than to loving and supportive family or community environments. In order to carry what few items they may have – some medication or an ID – they are only provided with a trash bag.
IPP seeks to let these persons know they are part of the community, their sacred worth is recognized, and that they are seen and supported in their reentry into society. Thus, IPP has developed a program to provide Release Bags, which include a personal handwritten note of encouragement, to persons upon their exit from the Bedford Hills and Taconic facilities.
In partnership with OSIA, we are seeking donations of basic personal care items, including:
fleece blanket
foldable/reusable shopping bag
toothpaste/floss
socks
hand towel
hard candy
washcloth
hair ties
deodorant
full-sized shampoo & conditioner
tissue (travel packs)
notebook
menstrual cycle products
travel soap dish
To make it simple, these items can be easily purchased and shipped directly from Amazon.com using the following “IPP Release Bag” link: (Note, link is for bulk purchases)
If you wish to purchase items in fewer quantities than bulk, please reference the list of personal care items outlined above. If you wish to purchase from your preferred store other than Amazon, please utilize the list for items that are needed. Please note, any brand, any size of product, and any quantity is helpful!
Items can be shipped to:
OSIA / IPP, c/o Laura Reid
First Presbyterian Church (IPP)
10 Academy Street
Cold Spring, NY 10516
(845 - 265 - 3220)
Cash donations to this initiative can also be made using the link below. Please designate: “For OSIA/IPP Release Bags” in the Additional Notes box.
https://www.interfaithprisonpartnership.org/donate
For more information about IPP, contact Laura Reid at lauracreid23@gmail.com
For more information about OSIA, contact Rev. Laurene Williams at revlaurene@1spirit.org
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