Inmates Help Keep East Idaho State Fair Clean

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Story Published: Sep 3, 2008 at 7:16 PM MST

Story Updated: Nov 21, 2008 at 1:39 AM MST

By Wes Horrocks

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BLACKFOOT - The East Idaho State Fair is now underway, but have you ever wondered who makes sure everything is kept clean? Well organizers actually rely on a unique group of workers.

There are about two dozen women wondering around the fair cleaning things up, but when they aren't here in Blackfoot they head back to the Pocatello Women's Correctional Center.

The fair is known for rides, family activities, and of course food, but all those used paper plates and soda bottles fill up garbage cans quickly. Sso organizers rely on inmates from the Pocatello Womens Correctional Center.

The women routinely help with projects like this as a way to give back. Dana Robinette, PWCC inmate said, "We have a debt to pay to society. We're here for a reason, to be in prison, and part of recovery, part of rehabilitation is giving back."

Besides garbages the women also help keep the bathrooms clean, and they pick up around the grandstands after concerts or other events.

None of the women who help at the fair have been convicted of serious crimes like murder or injury to children, but that's not the only requirement. Lt. Thomas Genera, PWCC supervisor said, "They have to be pretty close to getting out, either on parole or being released from the facility themselves. It's to try and reintegrate them back into society, get them up to being around crowds of people all over again."

Shaunda Buffi, PWCC inmate added, "I think it's an excellent opportunity for the girls to reintegrate themselves to normal activities, and to give back to the people around us and to help others."

The women typically work 12 to 16 hour days at the fair, and are willing to take care of anything that's needed. Buffi said, "None of it is horrible, its all a really good experience, and we just want to make the most of it. And we're having a good time doing it."

Inmates from the correctional center also help with projects around Pocatello like watering the hanging flower baskets in Old Town.

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