CRC Sending Packages, Magazines and Books

**miamac** · #1 07-23-2015, 01:23 PM

Questions about sending quarterly packages, magazines and books belong here.

Cardinal · #2 05-21-2016, 05:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by miamac

Questions about sending quarterly packages, magazines and books belong here.

My son just arrived 2 days ago. How long is it before I can send a package?

Thanks,

**miamac** · #3 05-22-2016, 01:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cardinal

My son just arrived 2 days ago. How long is it before I can send a package?

Thanks,

To the best of my knowledge he needs to have a housing assignment. At least, I would wait until then. It's so easy for things to get "lost" as it is, I'd want to up the odds that everything got to him.

Packages are ordered through approved vendors and a list can be found here. When you enter his CDC# it will have you verify his housing and then show you a catalogue of items. Every security level and facility has approved (and disallowed) items, and the vendor will not allow you to order things he isn't permitted to have. They usually want hygiene and food (protein and snacks). Packages are limited by weight and it will cap you at the weight limit. Certain electronics, like tv's, are considered special orders and do not count against the quarterly package. It takes anywhere from three to eight weeks for them to get their packages.

I've personally used Access Securepak and Union with good results.

Cardinal · #4 05-25-2016, 08:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by miamac

To the best of my knowledge he needs to have a housing assignment. At least, I would wait until then. It's so easy for things to get "lost" as it is, I'd want to up the odds that everything got to him.

Packages are ordered through approved vendors and a list can be found here. When you enter his CDC# it will have you verify his housing and then show you a catalogue of items. Every security level and facility has approved (and disallowed) items, and the vendor will not allow you to order things he isn't permitted to have. They usually want hygiene and food (protein and snacks). Packages are limited by weight and it will cap you at the weight limit. Certain electronics, like tv's, are considered special orders and do not count against the quarterly package. It takes anywhere from three to eight weeks for them to get them
I've personally used Access Securepak and Union with good results.

Thank you so much. The last time I checked, he is still listed at NKSP on the Access Securepak site. I guess I will just have to wait it out.

rmc50 · #5 05-25-2016, 12:27 PM

Is he in "reception", or has he gone through reception at another facility and now has just been transferred to his "home" facility?

If he has just entered the State Prison system (versus "jail") then it could be several months before he is eligible for a quarterly package. Meanwhile, you can put money on his commissary account so he can buy essentials that he might need, and you can send him stationary supplies.

California state prisons allow inmates to receive blank paper, envelopes and stamps through the mail. I believe that the limits are two books of stamps, 40 envelopes and 200 sheets of paper, but also a limit of less than 1 pound on the package. If they are in reception, however, the limits are less and can vary with the facility, so I would recommend one book of stamps, 10 envelopes and 20 sheets of paper. You can stuff all that into an oversize envelope, slap a few stamps on it and send it to him.

R. Mc.

Cardinal · #6 06-01-2016, 07:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rmc50

Is he in "reception", or has he gone through reception at another facility and now has just been transferred to his "home" facility?

If he has just entered the State Prison system (versus "jail") then it could be several months before he is eligible for a quarterly package. Meanwhile, you can put money on his commissary account so he can buy essentials that he might need, and you can send him stationary supplies.

California state prisons allow inmates to receive blank paper, envelopes and stamps through the mail. I believe that the limits are two books of stamps, 40 envelopes and 200 sheets of paper, but also a limit of less than 1 pound on the package. If they are in reception, however, the limits are less and can vary with the facility, so I would recommend one book of stamps, 10 envelopes and 20 sheets of paper. You can stuff all that into an oversize envelope, slap a few stamps on it and send it to him.

R. Mc.

He already completed reception at NKSP Delano. This is his mainline at least for now. (CRC) he arrived at CRC on May 18th. Still today he is listed at the Access Securepak website as ineligible to receive packages. I am not sure why. He talked to us last night about what he needs. I guess I can call the Access Securepak company and/or CRC to see what is up. I may do that today. I do have his full permanent address now. What do you think is going on. Thanks for the reply!

Cardinal · #7 06-07-2016, 10:23 AM

I sent my Son his first Quarterly package yesterday. Thank you all for your help. He actually mailed me an order form from Walkenhorsts. It was really helpful. Some things were out of stock but I know he will appreciate anything he gets. We are visiting him on the 18th and 19th of June. We are really blessed to be able to see him on Fathers Day and to receive two weekend days to visit because we travel over 2000 miles from PA. Everyone at CRC, Norco has been ver helpful so far. I created a new VPass account without any problem. We made our flight plans and just need to make the hotel reservations. I'm excited to see him!
We've come a long way and we still have quite a way to go, but for now, it's getting a bit easier. Phone calls have helped, too!
Thank you PTO for supporting me since November. 😊

**sidewalker** · #8 06-10-2016, 07:20 AM

So glad things are settling for you guys.
I was thinking that the reason it didnt show him as eligible was they have to go thru *orientation* (not sure how long that is, but maybe like 2 weeks?)
and that could have been the reason, either that or they hadnt updated things yet.

Cardinal · #9 06-27-2016, 07:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sidewalker

So glad things are settling for you guys.
I was thinking that the reason it didnt show him as eligible was they have to go thru *orientation* (not sure how long that is, but maybe like 2 weeks?)
and that could have been the reason, either that or they hadnt updated things yet.

I just wanted to tell you that my Son's first package arrived on his Birthday! The timing was perfect?

Cardinal · #10 07-02-2016, 07:09 PM

The information I read said to contact R&R to get prior permission for special packages. Who/what is R&R?

HisSoul · #11 07-02-2016, 07:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cardinal

The information I read said to contact R&R to get prior permission for special packages. Who/what is R&R?

R&R= Receiving and Release..

Cardinal · #12 07-05-2016, 06:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HisSoul

R&R= Receiving and Release..

I have three extensions for Norco receiving but tried all day and no answer.

Cardinal · #13 07-05-2016, 07:02 PM

I have a question about commissary. My son arrived on May 18th. He still is not eligible to go to store for the full amount for the month. Does this seem right? He said because he doesn't have a "job" yet, he is not eligible for the full amount but only half commissary pull. He said he's on a waiting list for a job, but they will still not give him full commissary.

Tell me please if this sounds right. I searched for the proper thread for this question. I hope I didn't make a mistake.
Thanks