Hi Everyone,
I'm new to the forum, and I was wondering if someone could answer my question..

Are you allowed to send pre-stamped envelopes and writing paper to inmates at Chowchilla?

Thanks for the responses!

I found this in the Chowchilla Prison Guide (Other California Prisons forum):
http://www.prisontalk.com/forums/showthread.php?t=222877

Items you CAN send to CCWF:

• Postal Stamps (Limit of 40 Stamps)
• Photos (there is a limit of 20 pictures, no Polaroids)
• Greeting cards (No larger than 8x10)
• Letters
• Magazines and paperback books- must be shipped directly from the vendor
• Money Orders -(made out to the inmate, with ALL inmate info included.)
• Anything on the “Approved” vendor list, on each vendor’s website
• JPay Transfer

Items you CANNOT send to CCWF:

• Pens/Pencils
• Binder Paper
• Envelopes
• Frontal Nudity Photos or Polaroids
• Phone Calling Cards
• Stickers, Tape, or Glue
• Glitter
• Anything Wire, Metal, or Plastic “Spiral” Notebooks
• Cash
• Photos larger than 8x10

If you have questions about items not listed here, please call CCWF at 559-665-5531.
Press "1" and someone in the mailroom will be able to answer your questions.

Yes, My daughter is there at CCWF you can send the embossed stamped envelopes form the post office. They are the ones that have the horse logo, unless they have changed the design since postage went up this month. The embossed stamped envelopes count like sending stamps. I usually send in 10 at time and have had no problems.

Thanks to you both for the great info. Well, I guess I can forget about the blank paper, but glad to know that I can still send the embossed envelopes and i'll also send some stamps. Do you usually just put the stamps loose in the envelope with the letter?

Yes, I have never had a problem with sending stamps, like a liferzwife said 40 at a time is the limit. Stamped envelopes 20 is the limit. I usually send a book of stamps in, that seems to be enough since my daughter and I talk on the phone a lot.

Also I have sent white lined school binder paper, but only 20 sheets at a time. My daughter gets paper from canteen.

Are you sending into reception???? If you are then there are a lot of restrictions. If over the wall they can receive more stuff.

:thumbsup::thumbsup::thumbsup::thumbsup:

I will try to send paper then, if there is a problem, I guess, they can send it back to me. She is being sent to Chowchilla, so I am guessing that she will be in reception?? Although, I'm not sure for how long, though. Are you still allowed to send letters and stamped envelopes to reception inmates?

Yes, I have the reception do's and don't in front of me for CCWF....it is probably the same for VSP "across the street".

CCWF RECEPTION Center
40 stamps; or pre-stamped (embossed) envelopes These are counted as stamps and envelopes so only 20 at a time.

20 blank envelopes plain white standard (3 5/8 X 6 1/2) or business (4 1/8 X 9 1/2) sizes only.

10 photos no frontal nudity No polaroids.

20 postcards

Books, Magazines & Newspapers only from bookstore or publisher. No Hardbacks, and 5 per mailing limit.

I sent my daughter cards (that I wrote in) but no blank greeting cards, paper, or stationary. The page I have was sent by my daughter the end of January this year 2008. She was in reception for 3 months. I sent her books but the mail is so screwed up that she got then when she went over the wall. You can send a lot more stuff once they go over and get housed. Canteen has a lot of stuff too! Take care!!!!!

Thanks for the details about reception rules. How do you send in stamps, do you write her name and CDC# on the book of stamps? Not sure how to go about this, cause I don't want them to get lost when they go through the mail, I want to make sure she gets them.