How many jails and prisons are in West Virginia?
Currently, there are 24 jails and prisons listed on the West Virginia Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation website.
How many Bible requests do you get each month?
We average about 75 requests a month.
Can I donate Bibles to the Jailbird Ministry?
We appreciate your generous offer, but accepting donated materials does not comply with correctional policies.
Is my donation tax deductible?
The Jailbird Ministry, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit, charitable corporation registered by the West Virginia Secretary of State. All donations are considered tax deductible, and donors will receive an end-of-year receipt for tax purposes.
How do you decide which Bibles to send to an inmate?
The ministry attempts to match the inmate’s preference for color, version, and print size, but ultimately it depends on what is in stock at the time of the request.
Can I request a Bible be sent to an inmate?
No, requests must be initiated by the inmate.
I’m an inmate, how do I request my own Bible?
The request and envelope must be handwritten by the inmate and include the name of the correctional facility and their Department of Corrections OID number. Letters without this information, or multiple requests in the same envelope, cannot be processed. Bibles can only be sent to correctional facilities, and inmates are limited to one Bible.
I’m an inmate, how do I request a Bible for my family or friends?
We are unable to send Bibles to family and friends.
Are you able to send Bibles to inmates outside West Virginia?
At this time, our focus remains on inmates within West Virginia jails and prisons.
I’m an inmate, what can I do if my Bible is lost, stolen, traded, damaged, or confiscated?
Because we have so many requests, the ministry must limit inmates to one Bible. You could try reaching out to your facility chaplain or a local church to obtain a replacement Bible.