College students can communicate today with friends across the globe in an instant, but they still love packages mailed from home filled with treats. Here’s how a few Western parents fill those boxes.
Susan Blenk (right) of Sequim, mother of Jenny, a sophomore: “Chocolate, hot cocoa and cold drink mixes, unusual fresh fruit (it’s expensive to mail, but it’s sooo appreciated!), holiday decorations, quirky school supplies, and gift cards for local grocery stores make great fodder for care packages.”
Erin Chaplin (left) of Yakima, mother of Eric Johnson, a junior: “We try to include a balance of fun stuff, favorite snacks, and staples:
I once ordered him a box of his favorite snack, soy chips and had it delivered.”
Michelle Stanton (right) of Burien, mother of Eric Nichols, a junior: “Care packages usually included a month’s supply of toiletry items like shampoo, deodorant, toothpaste, contact lens solution and powder. They also included snacks and homemade treats along with the little things I knew he would need but never go buy. I made it a point to try to send him a card about once a month so that he was getting mail. He was always very grateful for these and I know it made him feel very loved and special.”
Schuyler Hoss of Vancouver, father of Matt, a senior: “Gift cards were very much appreciated and they were so easy for us -- no running around malls or wrapping or things not being used. Fred Meyer gift cards and Starbucks cards were the most popular with our son. As he pulled out of the driveway to head back up to Western, we handed him a card and gave him a hug.”