More than 2 million American people are incarcerated, and it can be tough on families. As a way of staying connected, you may want to send a Kentucky inmate care package.
Before you do, you need to know what they can receive and what they should avoid. This includes making sure you adhere to Kentucky legal restrictions.
It is also essential that you research the facility where your loved one is incarcerated. Locations differ, and each has its own list of approved items.
What are the top gifts for inmates to receive? Check out the items on this list and pack a care package today.
Keep reading!
Personal Hygiene Items
Inmate care packages should be given items such as:
- toothbrushes
- toothpaste
- floss
- mouthwash
- soap and shampoo
- razors and shaving cream
- lotion
- deodorant
- combs
- feminine hygiene products
Anything with fragrances and moisturizers should be avoided, as they could pose a risk of contamination. Items such as nail clippers and body washes should be included, as these will help inmates keep themselves well-groomed during their stay in prison.
Clothing
Necessary items such as clothing and undershirts will be allowed per the jail and inmate search request. Cotton, linen, and synthetic fabrics should all be considered, as well as functional pieces for inmate care. Clothes should be wrinkle-resistant, lightweight, and easily washable. Socks, underwear, and other undergarments should be included as well.
To stay warm, long pants, long-sleeved shirts, and thermal tops and bottoms should fit both men and women. To protect from cold and heat, hats, gloves, and rainwear should also be included. To complete the look, pants, shirts, and jackets should fit appropriately and be of a neutral color, as bright colors may not be allowed.
Books And Magazines
Incarcerated loved ones should have access to a range of reading material. Books and magazines from a variety of genres, including:
- fiction
- self-help
- non-fiction
- educational
It should be included to provide inmates with an opportunity to expand their horizons, stimulate critical thinking, and open up potential career opportunities. When considering what books and magazines to include, it is important to consider the inmates’ interests and reading levels.
Snacks
Along with fresh fruit such as apples, oranges, and bananas, there should be individually packaged snack items such as cookies, popcorn, and candy bars. Protein-filled snacks like beef jerky, nuts, and granola bars will give the inmates energy and satisfaction throughout the day. Additionally, small bags of chips, trail mix, and crackers will provide them with different flavor options.
To ensure inmates get proper nourishment, inmate care packages should also include ready-to-eat items like nut butter sandwiches, tuna salad, and hummus with veggies.
Stationery And Writing Supplies
These supplies can help inmates stay in touch with family and friends. These care packages can include envelopes, writing paper, pens, and pencils. Communication is important to Kentucky inmates, and this helps facilitate that. Writing supplies will also help the inmates to keep better organized and have their thoughts written for better clarity.
The stationery and writing supplies can help inmates work on rehabilitation or self-improvement projects or document their thoughts and experiences.
Puzzle Books Or Games
Puzzle books will help maintain mental stimulation as well as help them relieve stress. Games offer a way for them to interact and engage with each other when permitted during their time in prison. The puzzles can range from word searches, Sudoku, crosswords, or more involved puzzles that might take days to complete.
Games might be card games, board games, or other simple games that prisoners can share and interact with each other during their spare time. These puzzles and games also offer the opportunity for prisoners to teach and learn from each other in a safe environment. This can help bolster a sense of camaraderie amongst inmates and support healthy interactions.
Additionally, these games and puzzles can bring laughter and enjoyment, creating a sense of happiness that can be welcomed behind bars.
Approved Medications
Even as the prison system adapts to the ever-changing health needs of the prisoners, certain types of medications should always be included. These include any prescription medications that the prisoner brought with them into the prison, as well as generic over-the-counter medications like painkillers, cold remedies, and antacids. Any vitamins specifically authorized by the attending doctor should also be included.
Medications should never be sent in a care package without being approved first. It is also important to ensure that these medications are packed correctly for safe transport and storage. With proper packaging and consideration of the inmate’s health needs, a care package will meet the needs of the incarcerated individuals serving a sentence in Kentucky prisons.
Utilize Jail and Inmate Search in searching for someone you want to send a care package.
Photos
Photos are personal and sentimental and remind inmates of the people they are missing. It includes pictures of family and friends and a scenic photo of an area the inmate is familiar with. Adding photos to the care package can bring a sense of joy and familiarity to the otherwise lonely life of prison.
Photos also prompt the inmates to reflect, providing a needed distraction from their current environment. Pictures provide an opportunity for inmates to create scrapbooks and personalize their cells with positive memories and inspiring moments. It also acts as a comforting reminder of the connection they have with their loved ones on the outside, reinforcing that although they cannot be physically together, they are still loved and supported by the people on the outside.
Support Inmates Through Care Packages
Kentucky inmate care packages in 2023 should include desired items like clothing, food, and hygiene products. Additionally, photos of loved ones or special moments can also be included, serving as a much-needed reminder of warmer times and relationships to brighten the recipient’s day.
Do your part and show a loved one in prison that you care.
Was this article helpful? Check out the rest of our website for more! We have tips and tricks in general that will help you get along with life.