A nonprofit organization is connecting local families to their incarcerated loved ones during the coronavirus pandemic.

Back in March, the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision suspended in-person family visits with inmates at all facilities due to COVID-19.

Advocates say because of this, some families are not able to afford to mail care packages to their incarcerated loved ones.

Soffiyah Elijah is the executive director of Alliance of Families for Justice. Through donations and grants, her not-for-profit has raised $20,000 to pay for care packages delivered to people behind bars.

"It's extremely important for families to maintain close ties," Elijah said. "Many studies show to reduce going back to jail, they have to maintenance close family and community ties."

Betty McFadden received a $50 stipend from the organization, which has so far helped 400 families throughout New York.

The Alliance of Families for Justice is now trying to raise money to continue its efforts during the pandemic.