Children receive Love packages from Dads

In partnership with the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department, Gordon Philanthropies hosted its annual Father’s Day Sent with Love event at the Men’s Central Jail and Twin Towers Correctional Facility.

Sent with Love provides incarcerated fathers with a meaningful opportunity to connect with their children by reading a book aloud. The voice recording, a copy of the book, and a personal letter written by the father are lovingly packaged and mailed to their child(ren). Sent with Love is a heartfelt and impactful way for fathers to strengthen their bond with their children while nurturing a lifelong love of reading.

Volunteers are the backbone of our Sent with Love Project

Alongside a team of dedicated volunteers, Gordon Philanthropies arrived at the lobby of Men’s Central Jail to meet with partners from the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department (LASD). From there, LASD personnel escorted the group to the dorms and day rooms, guiding them in setting up designated areas for letter writing and voice recordings. The Sheriff’s department staff selected men who are fathers, grandfathers, or father figures who were interested in participating.

This year’s featured book, Love, Dad by Dr. Joel Warsh and Andrew Gardner (illustrated by David Elmo Cooper), was chosen by Gordon Philanthropies for its moving celebration of the unconditional bond between father and child, a connection that persists through life’s challenges. The book beautifully complements initiatives like Gordon Philanthropies’ Sent with Love program, which helps strengthen the relationship between incarcerated fathers and their children through the power of reading and heartfelt, personal messages.

Capturing a Dad’s loving voice

When the participants first arrived, they were visibly moved – grateful for the opportunity to read to their children. Some were nervous about reading aloud, but with the support of volunteers, their confidence grew.

“They were excited for the opportunity to read to their children,” said Sylvia Beanes, Executive Director. “Reading aloud can be challenging, but once they began writing their letters and engaging with the story, you could see them relax.”

As the sessions progressed, many participants personalized their recordings, using nicknames, funny phrases, or the kind of animated voices they’d normally reserve for bedtime stories.

“Those little touches made the recordings even more meaningful,” Sylvia added. “Their children get to hear their fathers’ voices, and that becomes a powerful reminder that they are missed, loved, and cherished.”

She also acknowledged the vital support behind the scenes, “None of this would be possible without the leadership, trust, and compassion of the staff. Our partnership with LASD isn’t just important, it’s what makes meaningful moments like these a reality.”

With shared commitment and collaboration, what begins as a simple reading becomes something far more lasting: a message of love, a connection restored, and a step toward healing through the power of words.