Instead of wasting time while locked up, women in the Rogers County Jail are spending it giving back.
Tanya Murray is one of the inmates that is considered a trustee, a non-violent offender with good behavior. Trustees can also earn time off their sentence by working inside the jail.
As an incentive to stay on the right track, the trustees also get to enjoy a few perks, like crocheting.
"We don't have anything in jail, but what we do have, we're trying to share with others,” said Murray.
Mercedes Curley is also a trustee. She started crocheting with the others a few months ago. Curley says she enjoys crocheting because it’s relaxing and gives her something to do with her hands.
"It makes us happy that we can actually do something to benefit society even if we aren't out there,” said Curley.
Curley also says more want to join because their crafts now support a cause.
Everything the women make ends up at Safenet Services Family Safety Center, a place that houses victims of domestic violence and sexual assault.
Murray says she saw domestic violence in her home as a child, so she and the others say this project gives them peace and purpose.
“We don't really get to do a whole bunch for others, and while we're here, we get to help somebody,” said Murray. “That kind of warms my heart about it."
Sheriff’s deputies say the trustees are closely watched. They say crocheting does not present a safety hazard and they only use plastic needles while they work.
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