Serena Freitas, 2006 Winner

Web Editor: Rhonda Erskine, Online Content Producer
Created: 5/7/2006 6:49:44 PM
Updated: 1/2/2007 9:23:47 AM

For years, Serena Freitas has been bringing hope and a little Christmas cheer to female prisoners.

When Serena was eight years old, she and her mother drove past the Maine Correctional Center in Windham around the holidays. Serena, always a perceptive and sensitive child, learned that women go to prison too, and that they do not get leave to celebrate Christmas with their families. She decided she wanted to deliver holiday gifts to the incarcerated women. She has continued to do so for the last six years.
Serena, a freshman at Bonny Eagle High School in Standish, saves her own money all year to create gift bags; she and her parents hand-deliver them. The bags include calendars, soap, stationery, books, and a handmade Christmas card. The inmates are incredibly touched by their gesture; for many, this is the brightest day of their year. The Freitas’ also include their address in each bag with a promise to respond to any letter they receive. This guarantee of a weekly letter has been a source of much support to more than 25 female inmates to date. Serena sees these women as people; lovable, deserving humans who need her kindness; she believes in them. Serena is a member of both her school and church chorus groups. She’s an active member of her church youth group, enjoying both the service and social opportunities.

Serena's Teens Who Care Video is still available to view online!

http://www.wcsh6.com/life/community/teens/article.aspx?storyid=34985