I'm new to this site. So forgive me if this is an old discussion.

My father is in the High Desert State Prison in Susanville, CA. I only get up to see him about once a year. We just went last month, and I saw a sign that said they weren't using the company (I forgot the name) to do packages anymore. My grandma typically sends them, so I haven't had to worry about it. But I'm curious. Does this mean it has gone back to loved ones purchasing all the stuff and sending off the boxes themselves? Which, by the way, is a much better system!

Also, does anyone know what things are allowing to be sent outside of teh quarterly packages? For example, I know we can send books if the are mailed directly from the book store. But is there anything else we can send? And what about magazine subscriptions? I've been afraid to do that since they get moved around so much. Would the prison forward it to him if he's sent to a new block? Or would I have to notify the magazine every time?

Any info is appreciated. :)

You still have to use a package company, but each facility has specific ones they accept at the moment.
Magazine subscriptions are fine, they will forward them in the same facility, but it's still up to you, or him to notify the mag of a change of address.

I used Union Express to send a package to my friend in HDSP. The website is www.californiainmatepackage.com (http://www.californiainmatepackage.com). I don't know how good they are yet because it's the first time I've used them but I'll keep you informed. :thumbsup:

I used Union Express to send a package to my friend in HDSP. The website is www.californiainmatepackage.com (http://www.californiainmatepackage.com). I don't know how good they are yet because it's the first time I've used them but I'll keep you informed. :thumbsup:

I just used this comapny for the first time! They were very quick! Not too many subsitutions. I was very pleased.
Nikki

Thanks Nikki! I appreciate the feedback. :D

Thanks Nikki! I appreciate the feedback. :D

Your welcome!:)

I just used them last Thursday. They told me they had everything except 1 item that we substituted right there and they shipped it the same day. So, I did another order today (different inmate) and they had everything and it will be shipped tomorrow.

I just found out that my order was shipped the same day I placed it, and they only had to substitute one thing....shoes.... because they didn't have a size 13. I will definitely be using them again!

I'm new to this site. So forgive me if this is an old discussion.

My father is in the High Desert State Prison in Susanville, CA. I only get up to see him about once a year. We just went last month, and I saw a sign that said they weren't using the company (I forgot the name) to do packages anymore. My grandma typically sends them, so I haven't had to worry about it. But I'm curious. Does this mean it has gone back to loved ones purchasing all the stuff and sending off the boxes themselves? Which, by the way, is a much better system!

Also, does anyone know what things are allowing to be sent outside of teh quarterly packages? For example, I know we can send books if the are mailed directly from the book store. But is there anything else we can send? And what about magazine subscriptions? I've been afraid to do that since they get moved around so much. Would the prison forward it to him if he's sent to a new block? Or would I have to notify the magazine every time?

Any info is appreciated. :)

I noticed you are from Covina, we live in Glendora. Please try Access Securpac online. I called the prison (that my loved one is in) and we were told this is the best place. We have sent one package and prices were very reasonable. Also have a smaller version that can also be sent another time during the quarter. I have called them and they are always very very helpful.He looked foward to another one this month but his facility is in lockdown and can't get anything. Hopefully they will be out of lockdown by the end of September. Good luck

I have always used Access Securepak and they have been very good. If you go to accesscatalog.com you can also send a Special Package once every 30 days (unless CDCR has changed the rules). I was able to send my son a CD/AM/FM radio, a television, fan and hot pot. The Special Package items are pretty limited so once you have sent one package, you have probably sent everything possible to send.

~~Charme

I have always used Access Securepak and they have been very good. If you go to accesscatalog.com you can also send a Special Package once every 30 days (unless CDCR has changed the rules). I was able to send my son a CD/AM/FM radio, a television, fan and hot pot. The Special Package items are pretty limited so once you have sent one package, you have probably sent everything possible to send.

~~Charme

At CSATF Radio's/TV's have to be approved. You cannot just order them. You may want to check with the facility before you order.....

I used access and I loved them, they were very fast at getting it out and he got the package within 2 weeks. I ordered a CD player from Walkenhorsts and it took them almost a month!

acess is a good one i hear

i am getting ready to send my husband his first package. my mom told me that she used to make her own package and mail it herself to a friend that was in prison like 15 years ago. i was wondering if you can still make your own packages and send them yourself, or if you have to use one of the vendors online to send a package? also, my husband is in california medical facility, in vacaville, ca , if that helps any......thank you

i am getting ready to send my husband his first package. my mom told me that she used to make her own package and mail it herself to a friend that was in prison like 15 years ago. i was wondering if you can still make your own packages and send them yourself, or if you have to use one of the vendors online to send a package? also, my husband is in california medical facility, in vacaville, ca , if that helps any......thank you


We can't make our own anymore....we have to go through an approved vendor!!! I wish we could still make our own!!! :D

Just wondering, i am eager to send my husband his first package, i have been told to wait for him to send me a list and then do it.....is this because the prison he is at ( california medical facility in vacaville) will only accept packages from certain vendors???? does it matter which one i use?

one more question.....does anyone know what vendor california medical facility goes through? ok, last question.....how long does it take to get approved for a visit? i havent been able to see my husband for 6 months and its killing me. i finally just recieved my first phone call from him 3 nights ago....i was so happy and surprised to hear his voice on the other end of the phone that i started crying.....it was the best phone call me and my 3 yr old daughter has had in the past 6 months.

Yeah I believe the prisons don't accept every vendor.....maybe you should wait for his list. To get approved it can take a few months, I got approved in 3 months.

Does anyone have a listing of new approved vendors. I see WEPAK4U is new. However they don't have a lot of items. My b/f said that there is a memo of more companies to order from. I can't seem to find it here.
Thanks

Yes I just sent my husband a package form access secure and it was very reasonable...like $105. It was all food and snack items though. He is also at CMF Vacaville. He told me that he didn't need another package because he is getting out in Nov. However, i decided to surprise him...our 5 year anniversary is tomorrow. I figured that what he doesn't use he can trade or give away when he leaves. It is better than sending money when they are going to take out 44%.

if he is still in reception is he abel to receive a package?

No, Reception Center inmates are at zero privilege status and may not recieve packages.

tHANKS

Like some of the other posters I've always had good luck and good service from Access Securepak.com. (Oh, I can't post the URL's until 25 posts.) You can find the sites by Googling the names.


The website will tell you what is and what is not allowed at the facility you want to mail to. Or over the phone. The site (or operator on phone) will not allow purchase of an item if the facility does not accept that item.


For instance, if you don't see an item listed for quarterly or special packages then you know that item is not allowed. Because you select the facility you are sending package to BEFORE you start shopping. The site then gives you all items available to that specific facility and doesn't show you anything that is not allowed.


My nephew, (RJ Donovan), sent an order form for Packages R Us He wants to try this one saying it has more food items or maybe he meant it has items he likes better, not sure. But seems to be popular with inmates there.


At the Packages R Us site I see they also offer pre-made packages in four different cost ranges. That would make quick ordering and possibly immediate shipping.


A pre-packaged box might be good for use by relatives who take a turn to send a quarterly and/or don't know what to put in it or for sending a "gift" package to inmates you don't know. Talking about cellies or others who have helped an inmate through rough time or something like that.


I'll try Packages R Us since he wants to order from there this time. Unless I can find posts about it here that tell of problems or whatever.


Proudmommy, I just checked both Access Secure Pak and Packages R US for the medical facility in Vacaville. Both send there.