Inmates give to United Way

Thursday, March 7, 2002 | 8:27 a.m.

SUN CAPITAL BUREAU

CARSON CITY -- A group of inmates at the Nevada State Prison in Carson City have rallied to help the United Way.

During a two-week period 180 inmates contributed $10,375 to the United Way, and they were to present the money to the charity today. The drive was led by three inmates from Clark County -- Hector Castellon, Steve Olausen and Michael "Hook" Doyle -- who are serving life terms for murder.

In a news release from the state Department of Corrections, Doyle said, "This is the first time we've been given the opportunity to do this, and it's great. People came out of the woodwork to give, some gave all they had. It exceeded our expectations."

Castellon said he has been in prison 20 years and it "feels good to do something for people in need." Olausen said he wanted to make "my mom, dad and family proud of me, and I also wanted to help those in need."

Prison Warden Mike Budge said Tuesday that since the Sept. 11 terrorist attack inmates often approached him asking what they could do to help. He said the prisoners wanted to send a message that "they care and want people to know."