In their own way, volunteers with United Methodist Women in Lawrence minister to inmates of the Topeka Women’s Correctional Facility. They collect “lightly used” clothing to give to women just getting out of prison.

“We’re trying to make it easier for them to apply for jobs,” said Carol Abrahamson, a retired school teacher and volunteer with First United Methodist Church, 946 Vt.

Abrahamson organizes clothing donations in Lawrence, which are stored in the church. Inmates who meet certain requirements are able to request three outfits, which Abrahamson delivers to the Topeka facility on the inmates’ release dates. She said most women wanted casual clothes, for more casual jobs.

“Every once in a while we get a request for dressier clothes – if they want to be a receptionist or go to church,” Abrahamson said.

She said the UMW volunteers filling the orders did their best to provide three outfits that could be mixed and matched.

The Lawrence UMW group also collects children’s books to send to the Topeka facility. Inmates who are mothers are able to give their children the books and a cassette recording of their voice reading them.

“Our unit is one of the few in the area sending books right now,” Abrahamson said.