This Christmas, one organization is bridging the gap between families in the Valley and their loved ones who may not be able to join them for the holidays.

The Messages Project has helped more than 4,000 inmates and ex-offenders send a video message to their family. While it may be a little DVD, it carries a heartfelt message.

Now that the project director was recognized as a "2008 CNN Hero," that number will continue to grow.

Project Director Carolyn LeCroy says, after being incarcerated herself, she knows the importance of the family bond, which is why she created this program.

"Many parents don't get visits. Never got visits, and still don't. And this is a way for them to connect with their families," says LeCroy.

She says it's important for inmates to express their love for their families.

"One of the most important things that we see and hear is an apology to the family. Asking and taking responsibility for what they've done. And for many, many of them it is the first time that they've taken responsibility for what they've done," says LeCroy.

Brian Hess, who has three kids and a fourth on the way, has been at the Gemeinschaft Home for nearly two months.

At first, he was hesitant to participate in the Messages Project, but now he's glad he did.

"Because there's some people, including myself, that might not get to see their family. They don't get to see them a whole lot. And you can't hide from the camera, so they see you send your wishes. So I guess it means a bit more than a phone call or something," says Hess.

Though LeCroy was recognized by CNN for her work, she says it isn't about her. It's about helping the children of inmates and ex-offenders.

"But what it's done is it's brought attention, nationally and internationally, to the circumstances, to the plight of these children, and what they go through," says LeCroy.

LeCroy says the families have no idea they'll receive a DVD message. She says she's heard back from families in the past that the children often play them again and again, to keep that connection with their parent.

The Messages Project started in Virginia, but it's expanding to other states.