PHC nurses Louise Squitieri and Janet Castelli along with Dr. Thomas Mazzilli (far right) are appreciative to
Trudy Giampaolo (center) and Captain Kevin Cheverko.
CARMEL – Veteran Putnam Corrections Officer Trudy Giampaolo is a firm believer that everyone needs an outlet to demonstrate support for their community.
Before the former stay-at-home mom became a fulltime corrections officer, her philosophy was always “if one has an issue going on in his or her life, something is needed to make the individual feel better.” That viewpoint hasn’t changed in nearly 20 years on the job.
Giampaolo described a jail population as a “group of individuals who oftentimes turn to drugs, alcohol or other unacceptable behaviors upon their release.”
Shortly after arriving at the correctional facility, Giampaolo began a knitting and crocheting program that she described as a means of allowing inmates to “feel good about themselves” by creating blankets, scarves, hats and other knitted items that are donated to area facilities such as nursing homes, daycare centers, nursery schools and on Thursday to the Cancer Center at Putnam Hospital Center.
“I want the inmates, both men and women, to understand that when they are released from incarceration, they will find something better to make their lives more rewarding. This has been an eye opener for so many both in and out of the correctional facility.”
Giampaolo described the curiosity among the inmates as “most interesting. Some people get really involved while others just dabble. The program is strictly voluntary.”
Sheriff’s Captain Kevin Cheverko joined Giampaolo while visiting the hospital. “I give Trudy all the credit in the world because the project gives the inmates a sense of self-worth,” Cheverko saod. Their putting together something by hand that is given to patients goes a long way.”
Wagner Cancer Center Director Dr. Thomas Mazzilli praised the initiative. “A wonderful time of the year is upon us and what better way than to give from those who made a mistake and are paying for their actions. Besides, these blankets are beautiful and much better than the wrappings we now have to give patients in our clinic.”
Giampaolo added that yarns and wool were running out of supply for the program. “Anyone wishing to donate unwanted wool or yarn including crafters is asked to drop off the product at the sheriff’s office. The donations will help our inmates create something very positive.”
