Garnett said inmates in the state's 18 correctional facilities had donated $985 by Friday, with the largest donation being $50. He did not know how many inmates had donated to the fund, which will be given to the American Red Cross.
Garnett said $985 may not sound like much money, but inmates in Connecticut make between 75 cents and $1.75 per day at their prison jobs.
He said any time an inmate is concerned about someone else, the department considers it a step forward in their rehabilitation.