By Brian Blackwell, Baptist Message staff writer
ST. GABRIEL, La. (LBM) – This fall, Louisiana Baptists will have multiple opportunities to provide inmates of the Louisiana Correctional Institute for Women with hygiene boxes that meet physical needs but often lead to spiritual decisions.
Churches are invited to participate in a gift box packing day, Sept. 25, 10 a.m. -1 p.m., in the Granberry Conference Center on the campus of Louisiana Christian University, Pineville. Alternatively, they may donate, prior to and on Sept. 25, complete gift sets containing items from an approved list provided by the Louisiana Baptist women’s missions and ministry office.
Volunteers will distribute the boxes on Oct. 15, and LBWMM leaders are praying that 1,000 boxes are packed.
“The boxes are a reminder to the women that they are not forgotten and they are cared for,” Christine Gill, LBWMM strategist, told the Baptist Message. “Those who go into the prison are working together to help bring light to a dark place.”
The effort began in 2006, when Louisiana Baptists learned that LCIW inmates were needing additional hygiene supplies. Last year, a record 1,000 boxes were donated, surpassing the 2024 mark of 700.
“The thing that those ladies need is hope that they’re not forgotten, that their lives are not ended, that God actually has a plan and a purpose for their lives,” said Chaplain Debi Sharkey, a graduate of New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary.
Some of the funds for the gift box distribution comes from money given through the Georgia Barnette Louisiana Missions Offering.
Named for the first paid executive director of the Woman’s Missionary Union in Louisiana, the offering will be promoted throughout the month of September. This year’s goal is $1.8 million.
Gill said Louisiana Baptists also can pray for:
— the gift boxes to open hearts to hear the Gospel inside LCIW;
— the hundreds of church volunteers who collect supplies and pack, transport and distribute boxes each year; and
— Sharkey and those who provide ongoing spiritual care to the LCIW women.
To learn more about gift box ministry, email the LBWMM team via WMM@LouisianaBaptists.org.
