Kitty, the manila's range from 3-5.00 for each one deciding of course what I put in there that week. If it's over 13 ounces it has to go first priority so cost a little more. BUT If there is something in the manila I think is important or need to get to him quick I pick first priority which takes normally two days and has tracking - which I love! Not long ago I sent a manila and I didn't have tracking on it an of course that way got sidetracked to another unit in the prison and took two weeks to find its way to him. The response when he asked the unit manager where it was - well what is the tracking number??

Honest, you sound like me. I tell my son I should get paid for the secretarial work I do for him all the time!
I have "prime" membership with Amazon and it's well worth the price. I don't pay for any shipping and I send my son lots of books & magazines. I shop on that site all the time, again it has tracking!

Kitty, when my son was in the county it was ridiculous what he couldn't have or receive. If the magazine had staples holding it together they would take out the staples and he would get loose pages - crazy!
Not to mention he couldn't have floss and that drove him nuts. Now he can have floss, pens, razors, etc. He couldn't have any of that before. The federal prison is much, much better!

does anyone know if you can send decks of cards if they are factory wrapped?

daughter would love to get some Uno cards.

EchoMoon, I think that all depends on where the inmate is housed. My son was in one place in Ohio, he could get books and magazines as long as they are sent from the store that sells them. Hes in Montana right now, the only thing they can get are prescription meds as long as the script is current, and dentures, you can send dentures but not books of any kind.
Debbieo, Glad to hear that federal is better, I can't wait for him to be housed in a federal facility. One more question if you don't mind, how much does it cost to email an inmate?

My son has corrlinks and he pays 5 cents a minute to read or write an email. They pay out of their account. I just send him the money for it.

Debbieo, thanks for the info

Thank you for the reminders of how important the letters are. I am the only family member writing my son and I am overwhelmed. However, I can send something every week...even if it is just a few lines.

My son wants to know what is going on with our lives and I share that with him. I tell him what is going on in his brother and sister's lives, as well as with our cousins or his Aunts and Uncles. I also print out funny things that I see on F.B. to make him laugh and I also print out stuff for him to Ponder. I have been writing my son for over a year and I usually send a letter once a week. I am his Mother though. But I think this is really good of you writing to your son-in-law. They look forward to reading letters and it also gives them hope. I also encourage my son to keep doing a good job and behaving in there and don't let what is going on in there steal his JOY! I also tell him to keep Jesus close to his heart because he will be there for him every step of the way. Good luck!

Deenamom, I was the only one writing to my son for quite a while, it can be very overwhelming. His brother and his wife have started writing to him as well, so that has helped. I still write to him once a week.

Heartbroken, Thanks for the idea about sending stuff off of facebook. I will have to try that and see if he receives it.

Kitty, some stuff on facebook can be funny and if it helps to give him a laugh while being in there, I did good. I try to send a funny at least twice a month if I come across something. Sometimes I have come across funny ones. They had a Turkey telling Santa to step back because it was all about him and not Christmas yet. It was cute and I sent it.

Thanks Heartbroken, I will try it. It will be interesting to see if he gets it. I know I can't send newspaper clippings, book pages, etc.

I really like the idea of sending articles on current events and other stuff. I also got on line and looked up inspirational stories. Also printed out some funny stuff. Of course this will not take the place of my letters. I think it will enhance them.

I remember back in boot camp in the Army and mail call was the ultimate. My mom sent me letters and cards of encouragement. Made my day. Also sent care packages with cookies and such. Only wish i could send cookies!

So keep it for everyone. Keep the connection and the love flowing.