GREEN COVE SPRINGS – Construction at The Vineyard Transitional Center is zipping along, and to push it across the finish line the nonprofit that helps 12 newly released inmates from the Clay County Jail by providing housing, life and job skills and a path to being a productive member of society is offering a raffle where the winner could ride away with a pair of 50cc scooters.

Each ticket costs $50, and a ticket puts a holder in the hunt for a pair of Flash Scooters, or a 27-inch bicycle or a 65-inch television, according to Vineyard President Pastor John Sanders.

To purchase a raffle ticket, contact Sanders at (904) 305-4641 or Vineyard Executive Joseph Smith at (904) 343-1869. The raffle will be on Saturday, Oct. 24, and ticket holders don’t need to be present.

The center at 518 Pine St. is nearly completed. The raffle will help wrap up the final details.

According to national statistics, inmates have about 65% of being re-arrested within three years of release. Those who go through a rigorous transition program, which starts several months in jail before release, have more than 50% less chance of going behind bars again.

Clay County Sheriff Michelle Cook is an important supporter of The Vineyard’s Operating New Hope.

“By partnering with Operation New Hope, we hope to bring life-changing opportunities to incarcerated individuals. Those who commit crimes must take the time. But while they are in our custody, we must do our part to ensure they become productive citizens once released,” she said.