Wheelchair program at Charleston prison helps inmates give back

CHARLESTON, Mo. -- A new program at a prison in Southeast Missouri is allowing inmates to clean and repair walkers, wheelchairs, crutches and canes for people in developing countries. Prisoners at the Southeast Correctional Center in Charleston are assisting in the Wheels for the World Ministry. Inmates at two other Missouri institutions -- Ozark Correctional Center and the Women's Eastern Reception, Diagnostic and Correctional Center -- also do work for the ministry. Prisons in several other states also participate.

Missouri Department of Corrections director George Lombardi said the program allows prisoners to give back for the crimes they committed.