In a powerful act of community engagement and restorative justice, the incarcerated population at Calipatria State Prison (CAL) has donated proceeds from their recent charitable fundraising campaign (food sale) to support vulnerable children in Imperial County. The donation-raised through the sale of meals featuring Leroy's BBQ favorites—will directly benefit CASA of Imperial County.
CASA of Imperial County will allocate its portion of the funds to the CASA Sunshine Fund, a restricted account used exclusively to support recreational and educational opportunities for local foster youth. These include access to school activities, sports, prom, movie outings, and other enrichment programs that promote normalcy and personal growth.
"This money will go directly to kids who are often forgotten - kids who are removed from their homes, their schools, and sometimes everything familiar to them," said Alex Cardenas, Executive Director of CASA. "Thanks to this generous donation, they'll be able to participate in activities that restore a sense
of dignity and joy."
A portion of the donation will support the upcoming Imperial Valley Children's Coalition Shoe Giveaway on July 27, 2025, at Skechers in El Centro, where more than 130 foster and underserved children will receive brand-new shoes ahead of the school year.
"The truth is, many of these incarcerated individuals never had access to programs like CASA growing up," said Cardenas. "Their decision to support this initiative is a powerful form of redemption and a
reminder that change is always possible."
With just six staff and 60 volunteers, CASA of Imperial County serves over 300 foster youth annually ensuring that 90% receive advocacy, mentorship, and a voice in court.
"It's about paying it forward-about helping the younger versions of themselves have access to hope, opportunity, and community," said Juan Velasco, CAL representative.