Being away from family during the holidays can be a difficult reality to accept. For three youth committed to the South Carolina Department of Juvenile Justice's long-term facility, that's exactly the situation they find themselves in. Furthermore, these three young men are also fathers, each with a small child back home.

Thanks to a program called "Sending Some Love," they'll be able to read a bedtime story to their kids this holiday season. How it works is the youth record themselves reading an approved children's book of their choice. The recording and book are then sent home to each youth's son or daughter in time for the holidays.

The recording sessions will take place Tuesday, December 17th at DJJ's Broad River Road Complex (4900 Broad River Road, Columbia), starting at 10 a.m.

The project is funded through DJJ’s partnership with the Center for Educational Excellence in Alternative Settings (CEEAS). The Center supplied the books and describes the project as a way to address feelings of loneliness and a lack of a sense of belonging during the holiday season.

Media is invited to observe the recording sessions and speak with the young participants. If interested, contact Public Information Manager Jarid Munsch at (803)896-8345 or JaridAMunsch@djj.sc.gov. Also, be sure to follow us on social media. Links are at the bottom of this release.