By Beth Fratt, Parent and Family Council Member
When we send our kids off to school, we are often left with a void we don’t know how to fill. Care packages can be a great way to let our students know that they are missed and loved by the people they leave behind.
The first package we sent to our daughter, Chloë, included peanut butter that could only be bought from our specific grocery store in Las Vegas. It was something simple, yet she was so grateful. As the months went by, and we were busy with the schedules of our two kids still at home, we found great comfort in knowing that we had friends and family that were picking up the slack. Grandparents and other friends were sending her packages each month and she was totally covered.
I realized that care packages were a great way for everyone else who loved our daughter to be a part of her college journey. Perhaps the most meaningful “packages” Chloë got throughout her college years came straight from my mom. About every 3 weeks, my mom would ask Chloë what she wanted from her favorite restaurant. Then she would have it delivered to her dorm. It was such a small gesture, and one that could be done from her laptop, but it meant the world to Chloë, and was a break from cafeteria food.
Care packages can come in all sizes and conveniences. No matter how they arrive, they show our students how often we think of them, and how much we miss them. Each student will want and need different things, so don’t be afraid to ask. Often, they just need to know that you miss them, and letters can convey that as well. No matter what it is, it is always a great idea to take the time to show your student how much you miss them.
What to send?
If you’re looking for some ideas of what to send, we did a social media survey and asked students what they would want in a care package. Here are their top six:
- Cash
- Food
- Candy
- Snacks
- Cool Boise accessories
- Something that reminds them of home/hometown
The Bronco Shop has a selection of care packages to help you with more ideas.