The Criminal Justice Club will transform the Hudson Hall Commuter Lounge into a hub of compassion and creativity on Dec. 10. From 6 to 7 p.m., students and community members are invited to join the club in crafting heartfelt holiday cards for inmates at Sing Sing Correctional Facility, a maximum-security prison in New York.
The initiative aims to provide a sense of connection and warmth to individuals who may feel particularly isolated during the holiday season. Tilda Andersson, head of this event, said, “We saw it as a meaningful way to extend compassion and support to those who might feel particularly isolated during the holiday season. The Criminal Justice Club embraced this idea, recognizing the importance of human connection and empathy, especially for incarcerated individuals.”
Participants will have access to a variety of materials, including colorful paper, markers, stickers, and stamps, to create cards that carry messages of hope and goodwill. The cards will be hand-delivered to Sing Sing Correctional Facility, ensuring that the inmates receive them in time for the holiday season.
The event reflects the club’s broader mission to raise awareness about issues within the criminal justice system and to advocate for humanity and dignity for all individuals, regardless of their circumstances. Students and attendees of the event are encouraged to express their creativity and write messages of encouragement and positivity.
“A simple gesture like a holiday card can bring a sense of warmth, hope, and connection. It reminds them that they are not forgotten and that there are people who care about their well-being,” Tilda added.
This card-making event is not just about spreading holiday cheer—it’s also a chance for participants to reflect on the challenges faced by incarcerated individuals and to consider the power of small acts of kindness in making a difference.
When asked about what her main goal is to achieve for this event, Tilda said, “We hope to convey the importance of supporting incarcerated individuals, particularly during times of isolation. It underscores the value of empathy and human connection and the belief that everyone deserves kindness and compassion, regardless of their circumstances.”
For anyone interested in joining, the event is free and open to all. The Criminal Justice Club encourages attendees to bring a friend and spend an hour contributing to a cause that’s as meaningful as it is timely.
Let this Dec. 10th be an evening where creativity meets compassion, reminding us all of the transformative power of human connection.