I've received a list of things that can be sent in during a thirty day period of time after he's been officially "pen-placed". It's items like clothing, a 13" t.v., portable stereo system, up to 10 books, an older video game system with up to 10 games. I'm not sure if this is because he's a "lifer" or if all inmates get the 30 day period to receive items from the "outside".

I'm wondering how much stuff others have been able to afford to send? What do the guys do if their families can't afford to send them these items?

I'd really like to hear what you all have/haven't been able to do.

I believe that is all inmates. You can send things in for thirty days and then nothing after that. We put some money in his account once in a while when we have extra, and my mom sends him money for his birthday and for Christmas.
We didn't send in much when he last went in as at the time money was scarce so my son has been making do with what he was sent. We sent new socks and underwear and pony tail elastics for his hair, its down to his butt lol. He has a fair bit of "stuff" now as he makes deals with others to get things. Don't want to know how that works lol.

How did you get a list? Did the Institution just mailed it to you or did you have to request it?
I just got word from my man that he is going to be moving to Warkworth. So it's a matter of time. I would like to know beforehand...what I could send in to him. Thanks

Hi
My son had the list and told us what was on it.
Gillian

I know when i was in, if you did not get your stuff in, you lost out. The tv is important and the radio, the video games, if you don't have the cash I would not sweat it, mines in the fed, he can only have money, but i was in state, and warm socks, pj's and underwear are a must. In my experience it's always too hot or to cold inside.

My man could not do without his TV , stereo, cd's or playstation at all!!! The rest they can pretty much buy in there if the need be!!! I know they can order cd's and order out of the sears catalogue! My man is in a federal penn here in Ontario (the only MAX) and honestly if you cant afford any of these items, I would just fla out tell him! YOu are the one who has to survive out here without him!! I dotn know my man always tells me he refuses to hold me back at all!!!!
I know that the guys here in ontario get the list right after they are sentenced and know that they are going to be serving a federal sentence.

I hope this helps and if you need anything you can send me a private message!!!!!!!!!!!

can they purchase items while they are inside?
Lets say someone went in without a tv.. and 6 mnths later he had enough cash to purchase one.. could he?

I'm not sure how it works exactly but I was told if you miss the 30 day window then the inmates have to order any stuff they want through the institution and pay for it from their account. From what I understand there's access to catalogues from Sears and WalMart.

O.K that makes me feel better. So I don't have to worry about not being able to send him in the big stuff. I don't drive,so it would be a hard time to get to a post office,lugging a t.v in the snow. Cash would be easier.
When they get out...how do they take all that stuff with them?
Wouldn't there be too much to carry and manage? Does the Institution ship them to an address? Just wanting to know what is the easiest in the long run.

I believe that they can purchase all this after cause my man just bought a new stereo. But my man also says he aint bringing nothing out with him. I am not sure if CSC would mail his stuff to the halfway house or not.. Best person to ask would be him.

My Man was just released in June and they do not send His things anywhere...they give Him boxes to pack it in and how you get to whereever you are going is your problem

If you can afford to send stuff in then go ahead. The prison charges 20% or more over the cost of the item for an inmate to order stuff after the 30 days. And it takes forever to get the item, my husband ordered a fan back in June of '07, he's still waiting for it !! (He's been out on parole for 8 months now). Plus I don't know where they get their price list to know the value of stuff but it's way over what most people pay for things. For example my husband loves hiphop clothing and granted most pieces of clothing are expensive, however we got most of his clothing at Winners so we didn't spend a lot. Now when he got to prison they said that his clothing was worth a lot more then we paid for it. like a pair of jeans that I paid 50 bucks for they said they were worth 150 bucks. They said that if he had the receipt for them they would not have valued them at such a high price. For the big ticket items like a T.V., radio, game system ect. if you can get it to them, do it. It dosen't have to be top of the line just the basics....... I know how much my husband apprecated the things I sent in for him and I not rich not by a long shot, so I can understand not wanting to spend a ton of money. But you've got to think that this is where they will be for a little while or longer and it not great so any little thing that makes time pass by faster then do it for them. One more thing when you send in stuff, if you can send the receipt for everything too!!! Best thing I ever did!! One more thing, borrow things if you can from other people if they are not there for long, and check out second hand shops for things too like the game systems. Ok I'm done, sorry for writing so much :o