The Daviess County Detention Center (DCDC) recently brought holiday cheer to its inmates and staff through the distribution of Hope Packs, a gesture made possible by Chaplain Emil Herzog, Good News Global – Daviess County, and a team of volunteers.
More than 580 inmates and staff members received the Hope Packs, which included snacks, a Christmas card, and an “Armor” activity book with scripture passages and puzzles.
“This project is a Christmas gift to the inmates, and it also includes the staff,” Jailer Art Maglinger said. “We wanted to put a personal touch on it.”
Maglinger and Herzog personally delivered the packs to each housing unit, making an effort to connect with inmates.
“It’s about more than just the gifts — it’s showing them that they’re not forgotten,” Maglinger said. “One inmate was brought to tears, overwhelmed by the simple act of being given a gift during this time of year.”
The Hope Pack initiative is part of a larger effort by Good News Global, a ministry that operates in about 150 facilities worldwide. Herzog has been serving at the Daviess County Detention Center for over 20 years.
Daviess County High School student Landon Ashby, who has been interning with the detention center as part of a program through Daviess County Public Schools, helped pass out some of the Hope Packs.
Maglinger serves on the board at the Green River Area Down Syndrome Association (GRADSA), where he met Ashby.
“I liked talking to the inmates while passing out their gifts and hearing about why they were in jail,” Ashby said. “It gave me a new perspective, and it was nice to be part of something that brightened their day.”
Amber Allen, the district’s readiness coach, praised Ashby’s involvement with the Hope Pack initiative and participation in the program. She also credited Sheriff Deputy Jake Klotzback and Maglinger with making the experience possible.
“From the beginning of the semester, Landon expressed interest in working with inmates. Sheriff Klotzback wanted to give him that opportunity and reached out to Art, who immediately welcomed Landon for a tour and to assist with giving gifts to the inmates,” Allen said. “It has been an amazing experience for Landon; he is learning under the best.”
In addition to Herzog and Ashby, a group of volunteers assembled roughly 700 Hope Packs. Maglinger expressed gratitude for their efforts.
“Their hard work behind the scenes made this possible,” he said.
Maglinger highlighted the importance of projects like these, noting that many inmates lack access to extras beyond the basics.
“Something as simple as snacks and a card can mean a lot to someone who has nothing,” he said.
The detention center is also coordinating with other organizations for additional holiday contributions. The Salvation Army and local donor Joe Welsh are working to provide care packages, including socks, candy, and ramen noodles.
“This is about more than just the physical items,” Maglinger said. “It addresses the spiritual health of the inmates, which Chaplain Herzog has worked to improve for over two decades. It’s a great way to remind them — and us — that small acts of kindness can make a big difference.”
