The Rotary Club of Thousand Oaks does something special for local inmates at Todd Road Jail that have children at home. For the last 5 years, members of the Thousand Oaks club select children books and take them to the facility. Once there, specially selected inmates are then allowed to record the story with their voice on CD and send it back home to their children. The role of the Rotarian is help guide them along with their book, should they need it, and remind them of the mentor in which they should be for their child.
 
Joani Pappas, Chair of this project, had this to say, "The Rotarian puts on their earphones and the recorder is turned on, we have them say their name, the title of the book, and the Rotarian slowly turns the pages whiles the inmates read as if their child is right in front of them. If they make a mistake, we tap the page and they reread it. After they read the last page, we have a similar script. “Hi Sweet Pea, know that daddy/mommy misses you and loves you very much.” It is at this point, if not prior too, the inmates will lose their composure. If not sooner, it is here, their hearts are deeply touched."
 
"We then collect our recording technology and books and have them professionally done. This includes, music and bells so the child knows when to turn the page as they hear their parent’s voice. The book along with a CD of the inmate’s voice is received “Special Delivery,” to each child individually."

"It has been said through our entire Rotary Club and spouses, this project has changed so many lives. Nothing touches a person’s heart more than the LOVE of
their child. We are so blessed for the opportunities Rotary has given each of us around the globe."