Middlesex Sheriff’s Office Holds Holiday Event For Families Of Incarcerated Individuals

Below is a press release from the Middlesex Sheriff’s Office:

CHELMSFORD, MA — Smiles, laughter and holiday spirit filled the Middlesex Sheriff’s Office (MSO) Training Academy on Saturday, November 22, 2025 as the office hosted an event for the families of incarcerated individuals.

The 2nd annual holiday event was hosted by the MSO’s Family Support Services Unit (FSSU). It featured activities with staff from the Discovery Museum in Acton, balloon animals crafted by retired MSO Captain Drew Crawford and cookie decorating.

Additionally, each family was given a turkey donated by the Manolis Family Foundation, fresh eggs from the MSO’s Project EARTH, and cookies baked by the MSO’s culinary staff. The Wish Project from Chelmsford and the MSO’s religious services staff also provided gifts that were distributed to children attending the event.

The event also featured a raffle of two bicycles donated by the family of an individual previously incarcerated at the Middlesex Jail & House of Correction. The family donated the bicycles as a thank you for the support they had received while their loved one was incarcerated.

“I am incredibly grateful to our team, the Manolis family, The Wish Project and the Discovery Museum for making this event such an overwhelming success,” said Sheriff Peter J. Koutoujian. “Speaking to so many of the families who came, it was powerful to hear not just how much today meant to them, but how impactful their experiences with our Family Support Services Unit team are throughout the year.”

“This was a great day,” said FSSU Director Kerry Sullivan. “To see the happiness and know you’re making a difference is powerful. Often times families are reaching out to us during difficult moments, so to be able to laugh with them and celebrate with them is something special.”

Through the MSO’s partnership with The Wish Project, the group is also working with the FSSU team to sponsor 40 families of individuals in the MSO’s lower security programs (community work, work release and pre-release). Parents will be able to give these presents directly to their children during upcoming visits.

To learn more about the Middlesex Sheriff’s Office and the Family Support Services Unit, please visit www.middlesexsheriff.org.