The $6 sacks added up to about $48,000 in treats.
But don't freak out, taxpayers. The money came from prison commissary profits, which typically fund inmate services like the prison library and programs run by Mothers In Charge, the Maternity Care Coalition and such groups, prisons spokeswoman Shawn Hawes said.
"The idea is just [to show] a little good will toward the prisoners," Hawes said. Inmates in "punitive segregation" for misbehavior did not receive the goody bags, Hawes said.
Prison kitchen staff also whip up special dinners for holidays: turkey and all the trimmings for Christmas and New Year's Day.
The prisons draw some high-profile visitors this time of year, too.
Philadelphia Archbishop Charles Chaput celebrated a Mass at the House of Correction for inmates and staff on Dec. 22.
And Mayor Nutter, in an annual mayoral tradition, will visit each of the city's six prisons on New Year's Eve along with such dignitaries as former Mayor Wilson Goode. During the goodwill tour, they'll watch creative performances by inmates and socialize with staff.
