The Hutchinson Correctional Facility was recognized at the first annual Kansas Green Team Assembly and Awards Luncheon which was held at the Kansas State Capital Building in Topeka on July 16, 2008. The event celebrated the successes of Governor Sebelius’ Green Team initiative.

“I believe the key to HCF’s recognition was our program of utilizing worn out inmate clothing and other materials for the production of heavy duty quilts for the Salvation Army,” said Steve Schneider, HCF Public Information Officer. In late 2007 a group of HCF inmates began cutting the material into quilt squares, sewing them together, and filling them with material for insulation. The finished quilts are then donated to the Salvation Army for use in their relief efforts as needed.

“Not only has the quilt project enabled us to reuse what would otherwise take up space in the landfill, but we’ve also provided an opportunity for other State agencies to participate. The Ellsworth Correctional Facility has sent inmate clothing and I’ve been told that the Kansas Department of Administration’s Division of Facilities Management has sent us uniforms worn out by their employees,” Schneider said.

The goals of the Green Team initiative are to reduce waste, maximize recycling, and encourage “green” purchasing by State agencies.