Prison Fellowship, the nation’s largest Christian nonprofit serving currently and formerly incarcerated people and their families, conducted a free Prison Fellowship Angel Tree sports camp that benefited more than 250 kids of incarcerated parents, ages 7 to 17, on Saturday, July 26, from 9 a.m. until noon. The event was held at Hope Student Athletics Center, 2641 W. Harrison St, Chicago, IL. “We love bringing these kids together and giving them a safe space and a day of fun so they know that they are not alone and are surrounded by others who truly understand what they’re going through,” said Betsy Wright, senior director of Prison Fellowship Angel Tree Programs. Former University of San Diego standout Brandon Johnson, who was recruited by the Washington Wizards and Phoenix Suns prior to being indicted and sentenced to six months in a federal prison in a sports betting scandal led drills and was the featured speaker. Brandon, along with high school athletes from Hope Academy, instructed the children of incarcerated parents at this free basketball clinic.  Brandon played six years overseas in a professional league and now works with Prison Fellowship and his own nonprofit, AWAKE Program, providing a curriculum and youth mentoring program for juvenile detention centers. Multiple local churches sent volunteers to help register and support the children during the action-packed day. Each camper received a pair of Nike basketball shoes, a basketball, lunch, and a swag bag full of goodies — all free of charge. For more information about Prison Fellowship, visit www.prisonfellowship.org.

Photo Credit: Prison Fellowship