After the devastation wrought by Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans and the Gulf Coast area the Ninth Circuit Solicitor's office collected food and donations for relief in the regions hit hardest.

“I felt it was important for defendants charged with crimes to give back to a community that had lost so much,” Director of PTI Michelle Lloyd said. “A defendant placed into the Pre-Trial program is being given a second chance so as a rehabilitative requirement for defendants it is effective for them to give back.”

Every year through the Pre-Trial Intervention Program, the Ninth Circuit Solicitor's office raises food, supplies, and other contributions in the form of community service boxes.

“Some boxes are food supplies, some are food-stuffs, some are even SPCA boxes for animal care,” PTI Counselor Kat Connerty said. “The Katrina boxes in particular had bug spray, water, first aid, baby blankets, diapers and flashlights.”

This is not the first time that PTI has come to the aid of those in the wake of a hurricane. When Florida suffered the devastation of Ivan, Charley, and Frances, PTI directed aid to the worst areas of the state.

“We rotate donations to different public agencies because this allows many to benefit in the community. Thereby, projecting a positive effect to strengthen community support for those in need,” Administrator Ty Falconer said.

For almost a decade the PTI program has been directing its aid to those who need it most. Sometimes they are contacted by organizations in need of assistance but other times they simply reach out to those who need it most.

"It makes us feel good about doing it," Connerty said. "It is not just our clients that feel good; we get a good feeling about it too."