Hi! I'm new here and my fiance got transferred to CCC in Susanville about a month ago. He just sent me the list for his quarterly package and I would so appreciate any advice as to what I can and cannot send. For example, can you send clothes he already owns or does it have to be brand new in a package? Thanks in advance for your help.

Hi Girrrl!
I am new here also but not new in sending packages to CCC. I am also in the precesses of sending, yet another one.
The first time was very confusing. I checked that box at least 35 times before I sended it. It was worth the effort, he got everything.
You need to ask your fiance what is it that he needs. For me the first package was mainly basics. A watch (make sure that it's not digital and put the receipt in the bag, do not spend more than $100.00 or he will not get it), shampoo but it needs to be clear bottle and clear shampoo. In the clothing he only wanted sweatpants, shirt and shorts. They can not have any Logos, NO NIKE, RL, POLO, or any kind of writting in them. I did buy some of them but I took all the logos out of them before I sended them. Also, it can only be white or light grey. Underware it's simple but they have a limit of 10 max. That means 10 white undershirts, 10 undershorts and 10 pairs of socks.
Everything I send to him was new, I didn't want to take a chance. But maybe you can send half of it new and the other half from what he already owns. that way you know he will get something for sure.
I hope this helps, let me know if you have anymore questions....okay?
Hugs
Ada

Ada - Thank you so much for the info. I will definately keep all that in mind when putting my package together. I just want to make sure he gets everything I send. I don't want something to go wrong. I just hate not knowing what to do. I can just see myself when I go and visit for the first time. Oh Wow................scary!!!!!! Thanks again.

Hi!
I know it's very scary....don't worry so much ....you are doing the right thing....if you question it, ask....but it's very important that you take care of yourself first...okay?
Where in California are you?...I am just North of San Francisco
Hugs
Ada

You can but the correct size box at the Post Office.
The box is really not that big.....so I sent the main thing......FOOD !! He is in CTF-Soledad and cant receive any hygiene products. It was ny first package too. I was so excited...lol
I am preparing to send another in October.
Just follow the list and you cant go wrong!!
Good luck...

Hi there Girrrly, Have fun with the first package. I know I was excited to send it. But make sure to send COFFEE!! The only brand here in Calif that I have found I Folgers that comes in a plastic jar. Send ziplock bags so that anything that needs to be transfered from its original packaging he has something to put it in. EVERYTHING, has to be clear, toothpaste, toothbrush, deoderant. There are some facilities that you cannot send hygene products, so make sure they are on the packing list that he sent you. I have found that all the clothing should probably be new the first time too, that way you know he will get them. Everything that is new has to have the receipt with it. If you get it all at one store, just atttach it to one of the higher costing items with a piece of tape. Don't open anything, everything must be factory sealed. No spiral type writing paper, clear pens, usually I send Bic, where my husband is, the candy list is very limited, but they can have just about any type of cookie. If you send sweetrolls, like Ms. Debbie's, everything has to be individually wrapped, but they have to be in the sealed factory box. Nothing with fruit, no raisins or anything like that where my hubby is. If there are any other questions, pm me, and I will answer anything I can. I hope this helps. KJsTT

Sorry girrrrl...
At CCC they will not take any candy that's individually wrapped...check the instructions sheet.
Not all prisons or correctional centers have the same rules regarding packages....I wish they did!!
This is a low security correctional center....other rules apply.
Ada

Hi Girrrly. I've sent 4 packages to my fiance in CCC already. The clothes doesn't have to be brand new, as long as it meets the specified description they have - correct size, no logos or letterings, solid colors only. White and light gray are the only colors for clothes (sweats, shirts, undershirt, thermal, etc.) that you can send. I sent him a G-shock digital watch and I included the receipt but Marvin told me that we cannot send digital watch anymore and only analog. The most important is to send him a lot of food items. CRYSTAL LIGHT - a must. They love that stuff - send him a variety of flavors. COFFEE - Folgers is the only one in a plastic container. CAN GOODS - spam, corned beef, vienna sausage and cannot send anything with tomato sauce or paste. SOUPS OR NOODLES - I go to an oriental store and buy those instant flavored noodles (not the ramen or cup o noodles). CANDIES - no individual wrapped candies or wrapped in foils (KitKat) Reeses pieces is okay. I don't know if your man smoke. If he does it will be cheaper to buy the Bugler and the likes instead of the carton of cigs - way, way cheaper. TOILETRIES has to be in a clear container and it has to clear. Shampoos, I send him Suave, body wash - softsoap, deodorant - old spice or arm and hammer (they are the only ones that have it in a clear container and the actual deodorant is clear). Most important, do not forget to send ZIPLOCK BAGS - MANDATORY - (max one-gallon capacity) enough to re-package all food items except cans. I send the packages by USPS parcel post. Make sure that the weight is less than 30 lbs. or they will send it back. But if you send it thru the post office, they will weight it. I remember when my pkg weight 30.06 lbs and I have to re-open it right there and remove a bag of chocolates and re-seal it again - embarassing especially if there is a long line. I hope this helps you a little and good luck with your package.


Ana

I never knew you had to send a RECEIPT along with some of these items??!! I sent my brother a fossil watch before and it got through fine. I think that's when he was at Lancaster. He's at Ironwood now and I jsut sent him a pair of POLO sunglasses without the receipt! I spent more than I was supposed to! Will they not let him have those? Also, I added grey shorts and it has a little Nike swoosh on the bottom left side. Is that okay?

asia,
each institution varies. Girrrly was asking about CCC in particular.

Ana

Ana - Thank you so much for all that info. You don't even know how much you have helped me. I really appreciate it.

Thank you to All who have replied. This has got to be the best source of info on the entire internet regarding the prison system.

I love this place.

Michelle

you really should get a list from the prison but there are sites on here that have the list for ALL the different prisons. EACH PRISON IS DIFFERENT!!!!!!!!!. i don't have the address but i'm sure someone else does. all these gals are correct, check and double check. my kid is a tea drinker and they do not allow green tea! go figure. there is already a thread on this under California. i sent a 5 lb sack of coffee from Smart and Final, got there just fine!! thanks to god and the ladies on here! this time they did not take one thing, which is a first. Josh's clothes HAVE to be new and in a package if it comes in a package.......some things don't. it seems to be hit or miss when the guys pick up their boxes. depends on the mood of the guard. i have a VERY outgoing kid, he could talk his ma out of her panties.

i found a pair of Polo sunglasses in the Dollar store. i thought they were fake, turns out they weren't! he was THRILLED! we never thought they would let them through.