PRINEVILLE, OR -- Many people who get released from jail have only the clothes on their back, but one local agency wants to help. The Crook County Community Corrections Office is setting up a clothes closet for recently released offenders. Director Brett Lind says the idea came to him when a client arrived at his office cold and without a jacket, and he realized there were no resources open for the man. "We're going to open a clothes closet here at the Corrections Office which will allow offenders to get clothes, and hopefully personal items, that they need to help them get settled into the community." He tells KBND News, "We are just starting this up, so right now we are in the process of just  collecting the items."

Lind says the agency will rely on donations from the community, "Good quality, gently used, clean clothes; stuff that people will be able to use and keep warm, so coats, jackets, hats, gloves, scarves. And, even nicer clothes, shirts and ties that they could wear to job interviews so they look presentable and can get jobs in the community." They're also collecting new hygiene items. Bagged donations can be delivered to the Parole and Probation office in Prineville, Monday through Friday, 8-5.