Package Room Guidelines
Please be aware, that we put this together as a general guideline, each facility is different. If you come across different rules, Just email me, and we can ammend this page.
Thanks
Heidi

NO glass container. Except for fresh fruit and vegetables, food products must be received commercially packaged in airtight hermetically sealed containers impervious to external influences (e.g. sealed cans, heat sealed plastic jars, glue sealed paper or cardboard boxes, etc. No health food unless approved by the Superintendent and received directly from a health food manufacturer. No home, bakery, restaurant, or delicatessen prepared foods, unless authorized under section 11-D. No alcoholic content or ingredients.

FOOD ITEMS ALLOWED
Beverages including dried beverage mix (no plastic containers)
Bread-in sealed packages no twist ties).
Canned foods no larger than 16 oz each- that do not require cooking.
Candy- no alcohol filled must be hermetically sealed
Cheese (sliced or chunk only)
Coffee.
Cold Cuts (hermetically sealed only)
Dried coffee Creamer
Fruit (no coconuts)
Meats (cooked only, hermetically sealed only)
NUTS (without shells)
Pastry
Raisins not to exceed 2oz package per food package.
Seafood- COOKED ONLY including smoked, no salted must be hermetically sealed.
Snacks- potatoe chips, pretzels, cheese twists, crackers, cookies and other similar items
Tea- NO loose tea (herbal) and flavored tea allowed).
Vegetables-fresh that DO NOT REQUIRE COOKING (except in facilities that permit cooking).

FOOD UTENSILS (PLASTIC ONLY)
Bowls, plates, cups and saucers, drinking containers (NO larger than 16 oz)
Food storage containers-2 quart maximum, spoons, forks -pliable only.

TOBACCO PRODUCT
Tobacco products must be in the original commercially sealed containers and MUST BEAR NEW YORK STATE TAX STAMP (NO EXCEPTIONS). Cigarettes- 5 cartons max. per month, Cigarette roller- limit 1. Cigarette papers. Cigars- MAX 200 per month. Pipes and pipe cleaners. Tobacco chewing and smoking. Tobacco pouch and snuff.

TOILET ARTICLES INCLUDING COSMETICS/TOILETRIES
Toilet articles including cosmetics/toiletries that do not contain alcohol, received in commercially sealed non-pressurized cans or commercially sealed plastic container or if received directly from an approved store or manufacturer.
Soap- standard size.
Soap dish-plastic only.
Stick cologne-non alcohol.
Toenail clipper-3 1/2 "maximum.
Toothbrush- non-electric, non-battery,
Tweezers.

CLOTHING
Blue, black, gray or orange clothing is not permitted with the exception of the following items which are permitted in the color black: socks, winter knit watch cap, belts, gloves/mitten, bowties and earmuffs. Any shades of colors such as melon, peach, aqua, teal, ect that are not readily distinguishable from orange, blue, (ect) are not permitted. Quilted clothing is not permitted. Snorkel type hoods are not permitted. No clothing item may exceed $50.00 in value. Allowable items must not be second hand.
Athletic supporters-no metal or plastic cup.
Bathroom-solid color only.
Belts (non-elastic)- maximum 1 ½-2" wide with buckle (1 1/2X 1 ½).
Boots- 6"maximum exclusive of 2" maximum heel, NO hollow or platform heels or soles. No pumps any color. 2" width heel, no pointed toe, no spikes. No metal shanks/support or toes.
Bow ties.
Earmuffs.
Gloves and mittens wrist length-bag gloves without metal inserts.
Handkerchiefs (WHITE ONLY).
Hats- winter knit watch cap solid color only, clear transparent plastic rain hat. Jacket (outer garment intended for use during inclement weather) Fabric, ¾ length, must be solid green in color (including lining NO HOODS). Jacket military style-solid green (including lining) field jacket without hood. No military patches, insignia or decals are permitted. (Shortwaisted "IKE JACKETS are NOT PERMITTED). Neck ties-cloth, solid colors only. Pajamas-solid colors only. Rain Jacket-clear colorless, transparent plastic, hoods permitted, maximum value $20.00. Rubber galoshes and over-shoes. Sandals. Scarves-solid colors only. Shirts- solid colors except manufacturers logo (fox, alligator, turtle, etc.). No writing permitted. Includes turtleneck, mock turtleneck, and polo shirt.
Shoes-2"heel maximum. No hollow or platform heels or soles. Any color except Blue, No metal/stone or clip on decorations. No metal supports.
Shorts-gym, Bermuda- NO LOGO.
Shower shoes.
Slippers.
Sneakers- NO BLUE. No removable inner soles. NO pockets. NO pumps. NO hollow shoes. NO metal supports.
Socks-NO pockets, solid colors only.
Sweaters- solid colors only except the manufacturers logo (fox, alligator, turtle, etc.) NO WRITING.
Sweat shirts and sweat pants cloth only, hoods permitted. These may have multiple or solid vertical stripes(s) not to exceed two inches in width. No logos or writing T-shirts-solid colors only.
Underwear-jockey, boxer, thermal.

RECREATIONAL SUPPLIES
Baseball caps- NO blue, black, gray, or orange (NO LOGOS).
Baseball shoes with rubber cleats.
Checkerboards and checkers.
Chess sets.
Dominos.
Gloves-baseball, handball.
Handballs in original sealed container.
Playing cards-original pack unopened.
Tennis balls-original sealed container only.
Note: GAMES REQUIRING DICE NOT ALLOWED.

EDUCATIONAL SUPPLIES
Books, magazines and periodicals received from other than the publisher or an approved distributed maybe delayed through the package room up to six (6) days while being subject to close security inspection. All material is subject to Media Review guidelines. Newspapers may be only received from the publisher or an approved distributor, subject to Media Review guidelines.
Carbon paper.
Cassette type automatic demagnetizer.
Clip boards-commercial 9"X15" maximum) non-metal.
Composition books- NO metal spiral binding.
Crayons.
Dictionaries.
Drafting pens. NO SHARP POINTS. NO INTERNAL OR REFILLABLE RESEVOIRS.
Drawing paper.
Erasers.
Headphones-received directly from manufacturer or established dealer only, 8-35 ohm type (maximum value $50.00). Local permit only. (See directive #4920 for additional stipulations).
Masking tape -1" maximum width.
Mini-calculator- Maximum value $30.00.
Musical Instruments-with case (maximum value $200.00) one local permit only. Notebook covers.
Paper.
Pens-ball point or felt tip only (NO fluorescent type).
Pen holders (clip type).
Pencils.
Pencil sharpener/manual)
Radio NO LARGER THAN 8"X14" -received directly from the manufacturer or established dealer only. No microphone or talk switch-recording device (see Directive #4920).
Rulers-12" maximum, non-metal.
Tape player- NO larger than 8"X14" received directly from manufacturer or established dealer only.
Tapes- (cassette) commercially sealed in cellophane or similar material, received directly from a distributor, retailer, or manufacturer only. Subject to Media Review. Religious tapes may be received from a bonafide religious organization. These tapes must be in a clear packaging and be reviewed by the Chaplains Office or the Media Review Committee.
Transparent tape-1" maximum width.
Typewriter-portable, mechanical, batter operated, eelectric, electric adaptor or converter.
Memory typewriter -memory must be 7,000 bytes or less (not including built in dictionary). No discs or any other method of transferring information from one unit to another. No external memory adapter or other addition to increase memory. Typewriter with case-maximum value $200.00. Typewriters must be received though purchase from the commissary or established dealer, or brought with the inmate from another facility.
Typewriter ribbons-maximum of 6.
Typewriter correction paper.
Typewriter print wheel-only one or an exchange basis.

MICELLANEOUS
Bedding- no blue, black, orange, gray or white permitted. Solid colors only. Calendar-NO larger than 18"X14" when opened.
Can open-manual only with short handle.
Coat hangers-plastic only.
Coffee pot-non-electric, 9-cup maximum, local permit only.
Extension chord 9' maximum, UL approved, one only, local permit.
Greeting cards-with envelopes. (NO electronically operated greeting cards) maximum of 50.
Hot pot-local permit only.
Hair dryer/blow dryer-local permit only.
Key ring.
Lamp-20" maximum, UL approved, non-intensity, maximum value $20.00 local permit only.
Lampshade, non-flammable.
Magnifying glass-plastic 2"X3" diameter maximum.
Matches- book only.
Needle and thread.
Pins-safety.
Pillow cases- NO BLUE, black, gray, white or orange, (solid color only)
Posters-18"X14" maximum (subject to Media Review).
Review guidelines.
Rug-solid color only, 3'X5' maximum, not braided (one only).
Not including prayer rug.
Saddle soap.
Shoe laces.
Sponges.
Sunglasses-standard size. NO REFLECTOR TYPE, total maximum value $25.00 (2 pairs only).
Thermos bottle- 2-quart maximum, plastic.
Tissues-eyeglasses and facial.
Towels-solid colors only, NO BLACK, gray, orange, green or white.
Washcloths-solid color only, NO BLACK, gray, orange, green or white. Watch/watchband-alarm watch permitted, maximum combined value $50.00. NO STONES. (ONE ONLY).
Watch battery-subject to one for one basis.
Wedding band-maximum value $150.00, NO STONES, NO protrusions.
Writing paper-no envelopes.
ART AND HOBBY SUPPLIES
A list of articles approved by an employee designated by the Superintendent must be submitted to the package room before they may be received by an inmate. NOTE: REFERENCE GENERAL ORDER #AEI-96

RELIGIOUS ARTICLES
Purchase, receipt or use of religious articles is subject to the provisions of directive #4204, "Religious Programs and Practices." NO COLOR RESTRICTIONS APPLY UNLESS SPECIFIED. Clothing items must not exceed $50.00 in value. Bible, Koran and other scriptural and devotional books- see directive #4202. Subject to the restrictions for other printed material covered in section IV-G of Directive #4911.
Guthra- (prayer shawl)-1 yard square.
Islamic oils six (6) vials per months must be approved by Superintendent and come from an approved source.
Kufi- a hemispheric head cap that can be cloth, knitted or crocheted, multicolored or single colored. No color prohibitions. The Kufi may have a peak on top I t must fit close to the head. No protrusions (visor, tassels, etc).
Prayer beads- see directive #4202.
Prayer rug- (one only) may be possessed in addition to rug permitted in section IV H-a, NO BLUE, black gray or orange.
Religious medal and chain $50.00 maximum value, NO STONES, maximum 2"diameter.
Robes-solid black, blue, gray, or orange not permitted.
Talit (prayer shawl), 1 yard square,
Talit Katan-fringed underwear.
Tefillin-phylactenes.
Yarmulke a close fitted skullcap that can be made of cloth, knitted or crocheted, multicolored or single color. There are no color prohibitions.

Great list! This is what people can send into NY inmates, correct?

That's right David. I'm surprised that other states don't have lists like this. Too bad, because you can just scan it in.

Wow - this is a lot of information. How wonderful that families can send this in to the inmates.

Thanks Val:)
This will be helpful....especially in the clothing arena as the weather changes and I want him to be warm and cozy. I wasn't too familiar w/that part of it.

if anyone needs any other information regarding New York facilities please feel free to ask.

Val

I would like to send a care package to someone who doesn't get one.

Can you find this out and make a list of inmates who are orphaned?

GREAT LIST THANKS FOR THE INFO. This is similar to what we get in our quarterly packages in Calif, although there are some specific differences, but it's close. lleia, I don't know about NY, but in Calif. the prisoner must receive permisson to receive a package then send the proper paper work to the person sending the package. You just can't send a package to a prisoner. Maybe someone in NY can help you find someone to help out as that is a very generouse offer.----Ken

Anyone can send a package to an inmate as long as the return address is completely filled in. I will ask John for the name of someone who doesn't have any family and therefore never gets packages. I'm sure it will be much appreicated. This is a very generous thing you are doing Ileia.

Val

Sounds like NY has a few more perks than Texas.. :)

Ken, do you have a list or anything you might have brought out of the CDC with you that you could post?

Thanks,
David

Questions?
Lamp-20" maximum, UL approved, non-intensity, maximum value $20.00 local permit only.
Several items state it needs local permit only.

What does Local permit mean?
Also are there weight restrictions and how many pkgs per year allowed?

Christmas is coming up and I would like to send these out for Christmas.

I guess Val if your friend, Jon comes up with some inmates maybe they could check off the list what they can have and need?

This is a great idea - I'd be willing to "adopt" an inmate for Christmas. My husband can get pacages quarterly, but there's no way I could send a package to anyone there besides him - too much friction. Keep us posted - maybe this could be a new "project."

Certain facilities let you get food packages twice a month up till 35 lbs, others its 2x a year each package up to 35 lbs. As for the permit items you have to check with the individual facility

I'd like to send a package to someone who never gets one-especially someplace where they are only allowed a package 2X a year.
Eddie is a spoiled thing and he doesn't even know it!haha
I send him two packages a month and they let me bring him stuff when I go up to visit a couple of times a month. At those times I usually bring the things that aren't too cool to ship-like soda or something....

At any rate I'd like to send a little care package to someone over the holidays-Thanksgiving or Christmas. As B-Ray noted on the Cali forum though-I'm not too keen on filling in my return address. Do you guys have any ideas on a solution for that?:confused:

well the truth is you could put a fake address and they probably wouldn't even realize, it's only when something comes with no return address that they absolutely don't let it in

true, true....

Another Question, I think Ken may answer this for me.

What kind of coffee? Instant? Do they have coffee makers? How do they make it?

Torrey,

In New York it has to be instant coffee, I don't know about Texas or other states.

Val

Visited Wyoming Correctional facilty in NY today and took a big package with me and only had 3 things returned to me. He couldnt have the shampoo I bought it was in a clear bottle but there wasnt a seal on it. Anyone know of any shampoo that has seals on them??? He couldnt have a pencil sharpner, and a set of bowls. Pretty good considering I had a big box of stuff that I took.

for deoderant, shampoos, lotions, etc.... i shop on www.varietyaplus.com because they cater to nys correctional facilities and everything is hermetically sealed/alcohol FREE!

I've talked to Attica prison several times and they say DON'T send anything. They are very insistant. I haven't talked to a halfway human person yet at that prison. They treat me like scum. My brother won't ask me for anything and he won't tell me what is allowed, so I just don't know what to send. I send money for his account but it would be nice to send some special items occasionally.

Is this list for all prisons in general? min, med and max ?
I can't get any help from the counselors at Attica. They really treat me very nasty. They say if I send anything to my brother, they will just return it to me and make him pay the postage.

Shirl,
It seems as if they are being nasty to you. The packages all depend on the facility though. When my guy was in Elmira he couldnt get anything. Hes in Wyoming Correctional Facility now and he can get packages. Ive taken him things the last 2 times ive visited him and now they are telling him he cant have anything more. My suggestion is maybe have someone else call Attica with your brothers info, and have them ask if he can get packages, do you ever get to talk to your brother? He should know if he is able to recieve anything like that. I believe most NY state prisons allow you to get 2 a month, but im new to this so I could be wrong. Good luck with this.
Sweet Pea

Did yr brother just get there? Is he in the box? Those cld be two reasons why he cannot get anything right now ... I had a close friend in Attica about 3 yrs ago and he was able to get food packages and things so I don't think it's because of the facility per se ... some facilities it's 35 lbs/month and other's it's only at certain times during the year (i.e., Christmas). Did you try speaking to the guidance office for the facility or with his counselor, as opposed to anyone who answers? Keep trying b/c I know holidays are especially tough for them ...

he has processed and recently assigned to his single cell. He's been there about 2 months and was at Elmira about 3 months before that. Yeah, I tried to talk to the counseling dept when I couldn't get any help from the general info number. The counselor was even more rude than the previous guy. They say the prisoners are supplied with everything they could possibly need so there's no need to send anything ! well, I know for a fact my brother does not receive soap, shampoo, deodorant, or any of the basic items needed for personal hygeine. When he was at Elmira he says he had to clean up using a bucket of water brought to his cell once a week. If I didn't send money for his account he would have none of those basic things. It makes me wonder just what they do receive. Do they get warm clothes, coats, hats, gloves for when they go outside?
Now, they have depleted his personal account to pay a court fee he owed while being sentenced to prison. I'm worried if I send money they will just find reasons to take it away and I don't know if they will allow any packages.

Prisoners are not supplied with everything they need, I don't know why they are telling you that. That list is the basic guideline for all NY Prisons. Each facility has its own little rules and regulations. But when John was at Attica I would send him food from netgrocer.com and toiletries from drugstore.com. Unless he is in the box he is allowed packages. Who are you speaking to at Attica? Try calling the counselor again and ask to speak with his specific counselor. But if I were you, I would just send the package following the basic info I put in the beginning of the message.

Again, they are allowed up to 35 lbs a month as long as it comes from a vendor and 20 lbs twice a year from family.

I see where web services like netgrocer.com are used by some here on PTO but I thought they didn't send to PO Boxes? I went thru the whole process one time all the way to where you put in the address and it didn't accept PO Boxes so I gave up; I'm trying to figure out how those of you who use those types of services do it, especially the NY folks. One thing I truly hate is either lugging a package up there or spending an arm and a leg sending it via mail. This would be wonderful for me if it works ... I have a street address for my man's facility but whenever I send him stuff I always use the PO Box ... anybody who can answer, pls. do! Thx! :)

~Alyson

If you want to use netgrocer or anything like that, use the street address and then it should get to your guy ok because most of those places use either UPS or Fed -ex and they dont deliver to PO boxes so the street address is what you need. Ive never actually done it myself but ive worked enough with UPS and FED EX through work to know thats how it works.

Thanks, Sweet Pea! :)

You very welcome, Ill be of any help to any one if I can be but im still learning myself

Are they able to have Crunch n' Munch in the box you know that good stuff and I have been searching high and low for deodorant with a seal. I need suggestions please.


Thank

Monique.I found some stick deodorant that was sealed at Big Lot's (Florida) can't tell ya the name brand cause I just mailed the box....Good Luck!.Judy

We have a Big Lot here. I'll check it out.

Crunch-n-Munch oughta be ok, I would think

I dunno about the crunch and munch. I took a box of microwave popcorn in one day in a package on a visit and my guy didnt get it and I didnt get it back either. They must have needed that popcorn more than I did. Pretty sad when they probably make double than some of us and steal the stuff that we put in a package for our guys. Old spice high endurance has a seal and no alcohol. Some degree has a seal and no alcohol and there was right gaurd that had a seal and no alcohol I think it was the sport stripe right gaurd im not for sure. Ive taken all 3 of those deodorants and they all made it in.

I am going to check my local store for those deodorants w/o alcohol and with a seal. I think crunch n' munch should be okay because it's already cooked.

If I take a package this weekend ill take a box of fiddle faddle he likes that stuff lol and then ill let ya know if it gets in.

Hi....I was just reading a list of items that could be sent to inmates posted on another thread by Kerch....it said no items wrapped in foil or sealed with foil....???? I am not quoting but I do remember FOIL cause I just sent a package to my man in NY that contained crackers and tuna, ham, and chicken spread in cans with a peel off FOIL topping what do y'all think will it make it? Also if foil is such a big deal I don't know if Fiddle Faddle or Crunch N Munch will work......are they foiled wrap.....ladies will ya let me know on the foil thingy???? I guess I will know soon enough when they make him return the stuff I sent to Florida.....damn I just remembered I sent him foil wrapped chocolate candy too......OH nooooo.....Geez we could probably get drugs, diamonds, and cash in easier than a little bit of food....relax....just my lame attempt at humor......Judy

I just want to know what these correctional facilities be thinking when they make a list of what inmates can and can't have. I can't see anything wrong with having foil wrapping on the crunch n' munch because it's very thin and it doesn't even ball up. I guess I won't send pudding with the foil on top then. They worry about the small things more then the big things.

Monique

Im not sure about the foil thing either, ill have to check into it. It all depends on how its wrapped too. Im guessing like the crunch and munch or whatever might make it in because the foil thing is inside of the box. At the facility that my guy is in anything like chips or that they dump it out and put it in a plastic baggie anwyays, so Crunch n Munch might make it in. Im always willing to try new things too and ill let ya all know when I do because I go to the facility with the package rather than sending it.

Thanks I appreciate finding out what they can and can't have cause it costs so much to mail stuff from Florida not to mention for him to not even get to have it.....Geeez I just remembered I sent him a huge Hershey Kiss wrapped in foil inside of a box?????....Judy

Judy,
The Huge hershey kiss should make it in because its inside of a box. Its hard to explain but if you were to take that hershey kiss out of the box and try to send it like that it probably wouldnt make it in. Like I tried to get in applesauce, and fruit/jello cups in and they wouldnt let that in they said I had to buy the stuff in cans. I dont know I dont understand some of thier rules myself. Good luck and ill keep you filled in on stuff that gets in and doesnt when I take packages
Brandy

any idea on were i could find a list like this for Illinois?

swtmel, NY and CA are just a very few states that allow you to send in food or other items. In Ill you cannot. I am able to send prestamped envelopes and books from a bookstore or from home, to Stateville and Lawrence. I always try to remember to check with the mailroom at that prison to get the specifics. For example, I was told once I could send books and they didn't say PAPERback books and I wasted $40 sending a hardcover bible. Strange that a bible is considered "contraband".

Brandy, thank you so much for offering to keep me informed...I just called the post office confirmation number and my FIRST package was received yesterday at 6AM...I am getting excited..hoping to hear from him and what he received....I will let you all know if I had rejects!!!! Judy

I swear it's hard finding things without alcohol and with plastic on it. I finally found some deodorant at Price Chopper and actually it was cheap 3 Old spice "High Endurance" deodorant for only $3.95 all in 1 package too. I guess it was 3 for the price of 1.

Monique

Hi Brandy, Monique, and everyone else that takes food and clothing to a loved one in NY or TRIES to in my case....I am in Florida and mailed him his first package and have also received the returned package from him....Let me tell ya just say NO to liquor and foil....I got back The giant Hershey Kiss in foil, and some orange chocolate in foil, Xmas chocolates in foil, and then there was the chocolate covered cherries with Chocolate liquor? and the kicker I sent him 4 bags of chocolate candy from Walgreen's you know the cheap-o kind 99cents for a bag..chocolate covered peanuts, malted milk balls, and 2 others ?....Guess what 2 of the 4 bags have Chocolate liquor cause I got 2 back and he got to keep 2????? He refused to donate it or trash it so now I have to eat it....dammit....this chocolate cost more in postage than Godiva does the first time around.....Good luck people....I am grateful all of the clothes, sheets, towel, deodorant, brush, tooth brushes, soap, hat, etc. etc. made it..........Judy

Judy,
Man that sucks. Yeah I know that no "Chocolate Liquor" is allowed in any items because it is alcohol. I think that its so stupid like they are gonna be able to get drunk off of chocolate. I havent tried to get anything with foil in as of yet but it is almost valentines day so I might just find something I like and send it in. Where I go to visit they take everything I give him out of the package anyways and put it in baggies so I dont understand some of the stuff. Yeah make sure when you send your guy stuff you keep a list of what you sent him and have him tell you everything you got. I have had stuff taken out of my package and the COs keep it for themselves because he didnt get it and I didnt get it back. Yeah if I was your guy I would have done the same thing by sending the stuff back to you. Matter of fact my guy ordered a blanket and because it took forever getting to him I already took one into him, he recieved the one he ordered this past week and they asked him if he wanted to donate one of them. He told them no and sent it home to me.
Brandy

Thanks Judy for the information. I guess I am unable to send him crunch n' munch then. He even asked me to send him some but I am not going to send it, if he's unable to get it. I bet downstate is more stricter then the other correctional facilities because this is only reception until they place him in another place. I really don't understand what the problem if they pour everything into other bags.

Hi Y'all....I tell ya I am down and out...I ordered clothing for my man Luis from JC pennery catalog to be shipped directly to Gowanda, Long Johns. 2 long sleeve cotton knit pullover shirts and sweat pants.
they cost me about 75.00 to buy not to mention S&H and then the CO wouldn't let him have then cause there were no price tags on em plus he has to spend 8.00 to send em home to me (2 weeks Pay)....I guess I should have instructed JC Penney to include the prices in the invoice but come on now..we are not talking luxury items here....Then they ask him if he would rather donate them and to top it off..I got a block put on my phone cause Sprint slammed me to them and MCI didn't know if I wanted to pay for inmate collect calls????Well Hell I have been for the last few months..I get a letter from him today he is really bummin about the JC penney thing says he will call on the 18th well guess what the block was on the line then..he has no idea what happened...so I can only wonder what he is thinking...SAD....I am so SAD...don't those people have any kind of heart???????....Judy
PS All I can think of is how cold it is up there....and he can't have the most simple comfort things....

Judy,
Sorry to hear that happened to you. Yeah there is an amount limit on stuff that they are allowed so I always make sure when I take my guy something that all the tags and reciepts are on it. They say if its real expensive others will want it and that will cause trouble. Im sorry you got the block put on your phone. Good luck with everything. I finally got a Bust the move catalog in the mail and thier stuff is pretty cheap.
Brandy

Anyone know if your allowed to send them cereal in a package?? I Have 2boxes of cereal that is hermatically sealed was just curious if hed be able to have it.

no cereal is not allowed.

you cannot give them anything that needs to be refridgerated and you cannot give him stuff to make in a microwave, like popcorn. he can have regular coffee, my husband makes coffee. they have their ways...like some have hot pots to cook...

Thanks...... I dont understand why they cant have cereal though. I saw it the other day when I was in the grocery store its fruity pebbles and cocoa pebbles (boxed) but it was like a 2 for 1 deal so its hermatically sealed so I grabbed it thinking he could have it. Thats another thing I dont understand is why cant they get microwave popcorn when every dorm hes been has microwaves. The dorm he is at now he has stoves, pots and pans and everything. Thanks for responding though so now I know not to take it in.

I can't see why they can't have cereal because it doesn't have to be put in the fridge and I know more then one person has ate dry cereal before.

How can I get a list of what is allowed in Texas? I know that nothing can be sent directly. Everything has to come from the manufacturer or possibly another approved source. As someone said, fans are a necessity and not always available. Sure would like to send my son one.
ohara

Anyone know what kind of beverages they are allowed in Ny and can they have pre-sliced pepperoni?

Thank You

Really the best thing to do is to ask for the approved list of items at the prison he's in because even within the SAME state rules vary, and even change within that prison. For instance, at my husband's prison they were allowed perishables - items that needed to be refrigorated - (like cooked chicken and so forth) as long as it was hermetically sealed, however on January 4th of this year that rule was changed and now that particular facilty no longer allows it, while some others within the state still do. I also know that within NYS, some facilities allow in regular coffe, while other ONLY allow Instant. So, really, it's best to check directly with the prison you are dealing with.

The way it was explained to me is that some facilities are "cooking" facilities and some are "non-cooking" ... where my husband is now is considered a "non-cooking" facility so anything that would need refrigeration is a no-no ...

My fiance has stoves and microwaves in his dorm but they still dont allow 1/2 the stuff I think they would in. I know with the drinks it has to be Dry drink mixes.

I am just wanting to know are they allowed Hot Coco Mix from the box?

Hi and we hear differant things from differant people and aurhorities,can anyone advise us if there is a way that personal items -- t-shirts, sneakers radio's can be brought thru othre sources other than thru there own catalog. please help if ya can
ken door331@hotmail.com

hi and my son is in a florida facility and we are trying to find out if items othere than those from there access catalog may be sent; we have heard differant stories about differant facilities, we are looking to send t-shirts ,sneakes etc through legitamate department stores and retail catalogs
ken ----------door331@hotmail.com (----------door331@hotmail.com)

MONIQUE, yesterday I took a package and it had a box of hot cocoa in it and I didnt recieve it when I got back my rejected items so im guessing he got it, so I would say yes its allowed. He will call me tonight and ill read a list of what I had in the package and he will tell me if he recieved it all. They have kept things that I have took in a package before (didnt give it to him and didnt give it back to me)
KEN, here in NY at the facility my fiance is at I could take/send in sneakers (as long as they didnt cost more than $50 and need the reciept) I could send/take in tshirt, sweatshirts etc as long as I left the tags on them so they know how much the stuff cost. I couldnt send a radio to him unless it was sent from a catalog they give him to order stuff out of. My suggestion is to call the facility your son is at and have them connect you to the package room. They will most generally answer any questions you have. Also check the florida forum if you already havent to see if they might have a lits of allowed items there.

Ken, you should check out the Florida forum at PTO. There is a new vendor's list with prices and items available to buy in Florida prisons....unfortunately you cannot buy things and bring them to him and you cannot have them delivered from an outside vendor. You must put money in his account and he is only allowed what Florida sells him with the exception of stamps you can mail those to him....Check out the Florida forum, they can give you details and answer any other questions you have....Good luck...Judy

Should I send a receipt with the shower shoes I purchased when sending them to the facility? Which didn't cost much.

I would just incase.... What do you mean by shower shoes, my guy told me to get him some but I had no clue what he was talking about.

Shower shoes to me is something they can just slip their feet in looks like a flip flop to me except without the strap going between the toes.

When they say no sneakers over $ 49.99 is that after taxes or they don't count taxes. If I purchased a 59.99 pair of sneakers and used a $ 10.00 coupon which brings it down to $ 49.99 would I be able to send them to him without a problem? I am confused here.

From my understanding the shoes have to be under $50 with tax and everything. I dont see why it wouldnt work if you had a coupon but im not sure. Where can I find shower shoes..... I know this sounds clueless but the only thing Ive thought of as shower shoes are like the shoes u wear when ur going to the beach

Is your man in downstate, b/c mine is and I was wondering do they have their own rule book of what they can and cannot have?

Well my man is at wyoming correctional facility and with me I play the guessing game. I try to follow the list that they have posted on here and then mostly everything goes through. Its hard to say it depends on the package room people....

I bought my shower shoes a walmart and they were only $ 3.00... And with the shoes having to be under 50.00 with tax included thats ridulous but do you think they would notice if I put a different receipt but with the same kind of sneakers. I am buying my son the same kind of sneakers but his would be only 42.00 and I thought about just putting that receipt in the box but was to afraid they might notice or check the invoice. I am not sure if stores will write out a receipt for me especially if the receipt is printed automatically.

Monique yeah most likely they would notice. They check the numbers on the UPC for the box and then for the reciept they compare it . I watched them do that with my wedding rings. They are pains when it comes to that stuff. They dont accept written receipts they through mine out for the wedding rings where I had his special ordered. It could also depend on the place where hes at. I wouldnt try anything different though.