Inmate Care Packages — Ask the Inmate
Receiving a care package from home is one of the most meaningful moments in an inmate's daily life. The challenge is that every facility has its own rules about what can be sent, through which approved vendors, in what quantities, and at what times. Getting it wrong means the package gets rejected and the effort and expense are wasted. This section covers how care package programs work across federal and state facilities, which vendors are approved and how to find the right one for a specific facility, what items are typically allowed and what is prohibited, how to send books, magazines, and newspapers through approved channels, and how InmateAid's letter and photo service fits into the broader picture of keeping your loved one connected to home. The practical guidance here saves families the frustration of a rejected package and makes sure every dollar spent actually reaches the person it was meant for. See also our sections on Send Books and Magazines, Send Inmate Mail, and Commissary.
Related InmateAid Services
Mail access is one of the privileges that generally survives a SHU placement, even when most other privileges get pulled. Inmates in the Special Housing Unit can typically both receive and send mail, though the process moves more slowly and with more scrutiny than in the general population. Incoming mail to a SHU inmate goes through the same mailroom screening process as any other incoming mail at the facility, but it may take longer to reach the inmate because
Read moreCare packages depend entirely on the specific jail’s rules. Not every facility allows them, and if they do, they only accept orders from approved vendors. For Lamar County Jail, here is how to figure it out: 1. Check if they allow care packages Call the jail directly or check their website Ask if they use a vendor like iCare, Access Securepak, or a similar service If they do allow packages, they will tell
Read moreYes, you can send care packages to an inmate, but it’s important to follow the specific guidelines and regulations set by the correctional facility where your loved one is housed. Here’s a detailed overview of the process to ensure a smooth and successful delivery: 1. Use Approved Vendors: Most correctional facilities only accept care packages from authorized vendors with whom they have partnered. Popular companies like Access Securepak, Union Supply Direct, iCare Gifts, and Walkenhorst’s offer a
Read moreSending a care package to an inmate involves a straightforward process, but it requires using approved vendors and adhering to the correctional facility's guidelines. Here’s a detailed guide on how to send a care package, what it typically includes, the costs, and the websites you can use: 1. Choose an Approved Vendor: Most correctional facilities only accept care packages from specific vendors. Here are some of the most reputable and widely used websites: Access Securepak: Access
Read moreTo send money and care packages online to an inmate, you'll need to use authorized services that are approved by the correctional facility where your loved one is incarcerated. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to do both: 1. Sending Money Online Approved Services for Sending Money: JPay: JPay is a widely used service for sending money to inmates. It partners with many correctional facilities across the U.S. Access Corrections: Access Corrections offers online deposits and
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