How We Closed the Year: Our Second Semesterly Care Package Delivery
On December 15, 2025, members of The UnLocked Project successfully completed our second semesterly care package delivery, continuing our commitment to supporting children and youth impacted by parental incarceration. This initiative brought comfort, warmth, and recognition to young people across Prince George’s County during the winter season.
From Assembly to Action
The journey began on December 4, when members of UnLocked and the broader UnLocked community came together to assemble the care packages. The room was filled with energy, intention, and care as each package was thoughtfully put together with the recipient in mind. This collective effort reflected the heart of our mission: community showing up for community.
Each care package included essential hygiene items such as soap and lotion, along with winter necessities like socks, blankets, beanies, and gloves. We also added handwritten cards and winter-themed stickers to remind each recipient that they are seen, supported, and cared for beyond the items themselves.
Delivering Support Across PG County
We delivered 10 care packages to four schools across Prince George’s County, as well as to youth connected through a local community-based organization serving families, returning citizens, and young people through education, wellness, and reentry-focused resources.
While delivering to one of the schools, a meaningful conversation emerged between UnLocked leadership and two guidance counselors. During the discussion, the counselors shared that some need-based assessment forms used in PG County schools do not currently include parental incarceration as a qualifying criterion for support. Learning that these care packages were specifically designed for children of incarcerated parents prompted the counselors to consider revisiting their assessment frameworks and exploring how parental incarceration could be more intentionally recognized as a factor of need.
This moment underscored the broader impact of our work. Beyond direct support, these efforts open doors to awareness, dialogue, and systemic reflection within schools and institutions that serve young people every day.
Why This Matters
Children impacted by parental incarceration often navigate challenges that go unseen. By centering them intentionally, this care package delivery served not only as a source of material support, but also as a reminder that their experiences matter and deserve recognition.
Completing our second semesterly care package delivery reaffirmed the importance of consistency, collaboration, and community-driven care. It showed us that even small-scale initiatives can spark larger conversations and long-term change.
Looking Ahead
Going forward, we remain energized by what is possible when people come together with purpose. This delivery strengthened our resolve to continue advocating for children impacted by incarceration and expanding the spaces where their needs are acknowledged and addressed.
Thank you to everyone who helped assemble, deliver, support, and believe in this initiative. We look forward to sharing more as we continue this work in the semesters ahead, taking it one care package, one conversation, and one community at a time.
