Care Packages?

B

Bamabuzz

5-Year Member
Joined
Aug 2, 2013
Messages
9
I keep reading that some parents are sending their C4C's care packages. Can someone tell me some ideas for such a package? I know that perishables are not an option, so I guess I am trying to understand what kinds of items people send? Thanks
 
My son liked granola type bars, pop tart type, jerky, cup o soup, etc.
 
Some C4C's will ask for specifics -- guys might want boxers now that BCT is over; gals more frilly personal items.

Can't send them music, phones - but they can get magazines now (DS got Sports Illustrated delivered to his PO Box all 4 years after BCT was over).

Your cadet will tell you if they need/want something that they can't find in the C-store or a special brand of something.
Some will want sleeping bags to sleep in either on top of their bed or on the floor (yes, they will do that sometimes)

I would send DS a flat rate box every 2-3 weeks (if it fits it ships -- flat cost, much cheaper than by weight). I'd included various prepackaged food items he liked -- pop tarts, granola bars, nutri grain bars, powdered drink mixes to put in water bottle, starburst/skittles :smile:, and I would make him a batch of cookies too, sealing them in a zip loc bag inside one of those zip loc rectangular containers (2 of them fit nicely in one of the oblong medium flat rate boxes). The cadets know to purchase a big plastic box for their room to hold their food items.

So, ask your cadet what he/she wants!
 
Thanks so much for the responses. I did not know we could send food items, so I am definitely glad I asked for input!!!
 
The snacks my mom sent me in care packages got me through many a missed dinner (long practice, too much hw). I loved instant potatoes (made with just hot water) as well as all sorts of drink mixes like yummy hot chocolates, apple cider, lemonade etc. I had a small water heating element I used (not a hot plate, a metal coil you put in the water). Also, she would send homemade cookies, putting a piece of white bread in the container to keep them soft. YUM. They might as well have just been made. I also got little entertaining trinkets that seem silly, but provided much comic relief and enjoyment (nerf gun, nerf gun keychain, silly putty, pig launcher etc) Although not everyone is as in to shooting at their roommates...
 
Does anyone know the address to send packages when the business states they do not ship to PO Boxes
 
This information is from a newsletter Ms. Rose Nikovits distributed recently:

If you choose to send a package via Federal Express, UPS or DHL, you need a street address. They will not deliver to a post office box. The pickup location, called Pak Mail, is in the Cadet Book Store in Vandenberg Hall. Below is the correct mailing address:
John Doe (add the rank before the name if you wish)
Pak Mail
2360 Vandenberg Dr.
USAFA CO 80840-xxxx (*post office box number)
*The post office box number is added to this as a 4 digit zip+4 as a means of identification when the cadet picks up the package at Pak Mail.
I will try to send the newsletter to you as an attachment in a PM.
 
In years past you had to pay $3 or so to pick up a package there. Don't know if that is still the case, but your cadet should be prepared for it in case it's true.

Another option is to have the package delivered to theirs sponsor's house - DS did that a few times (checked with sponsor first of course)
 
Put the $$$ on top of the box, then your cadet will have the cash right there to pay for the pick up.

Of course, if you ship thru USPS, that's not a problem.

Those flat rate boxes are EXCELLENT! They hold up to 70 pounds (large) and go ahead, STUFF IT! We sent our kids tuna packets, beef jerky, and high protein snacks and things they couldn't get for themselves at the C store. Then, fill in the gaps with candy, gum, money, socks, gloves, hand/foot warmers (greatly appreciated later in the season), toothpaste (travel size), etc. Stamps, envelopes, stamped postcards, put it all in there!

Only caveat, we were not a "once a month" package shipper family. We budgeted $100 per box filler then added the shipping cost. Multiplied by two, well, you get the idea.
 
greentrees said:
I would send DS a flat rate box every 2-3 weeks (if it fits it ships -- flat cost, much cheaper than by weight). !
Click to expand...

Flat rate priority mail boxes are a good way to go. Pick up several of them at the post office (they are free) and print your flat rate box mailing labels with postage at home on usps.com. You can then mail the boxes from work or hand them to any mail carrier... saves a trip to the post office.

We send DS peanut butter and Smuckers Squeeze jelly. The jelly does not need refrigeration. The C-store has sandwich bread. We also send crackers and the Kraft Easy Cheese spray cans.
 
DS liked prepackaged soups and pastas in microwavable containers as well as snack foods. We also sent him random trinkets unrelated to anything: super-balls, silly putty, puzzles from the dollar store, etc. Never thought of a Nerf gun. Next time!
 
Nothing like toy fighter jets for those who aspire to fly those blue skies.

I did have one son who asked me to fill in the gaps with cash, instead of candy. Not too ding dang likely there, kiddo.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top