Care package suggestions, Sandy-related

A friend of mine evacuated her home in Long Beach (after 11 hours in the attic with her two baby girls as the water rose in their home - so traumatic, I can only imagine) and have been staying with her in-laws, where they will live indefinitely. I want to send a care package for her, her DH, and 2 DDs (age 3 and 1). Any ideas what would be useful? I feel strange sending them money, was hoping for a thoughtful idea of something they could use while displaced, but I guess they could really buy whatever they need. I believe all of their things were lost in the flooding. Ideas? TIA.

Re: Care package suggestions, Sandy-related

How about a target gift card or something like that or home depot. that way you aren't sending cash directly

Re: Care package suggestions, Sandy-related

Thanks for your reply. I was just online shopping for towels - I was thinking two good bath towels and hooded towels for the LOs. My concern about sending a GC is that their car was lost (floated away) and I'm not sure how they'd be able to get to the store to shop. I'm sure they will eventually. Or could shop on line. I'm torn.

Re: Care package suggestions, Sandy-related

I think the towels are a nice idea. Anything that brings the comforts of home but doesn't take up space.

Care package suggestions, Sandy-related

What about both, the towels (which they will need) and the Target GC. Even a $25 gc to Target will get you a lot. I'm sure they'll need something for the kids, what about items from TRU/BBB, even toys.

Not sure how much you would like to spend.

Re: Care package suggestions, Sandy-related

I would do an Amazon.com gift card so they can have things delivered and the hooded towels or a small toy for their kids.

Care package suggestions, Sandy-related

Honestly a GC to Oldnavy would be what I would do. I know it's so impersonal, but they will need clothes. If you really want to send something I suggest maybe some clothes in general for the girls. As a mom my 1st concern would be my kids. Towels are a nice idea, but they are at their in laws so I would be concerned with "clutter". I know that sounds silly but if you HAD to live with someone unexpected they may already feel uncomfortable and by sending stuff they already have it may make them feel like um ok. Does that make sense?

Re: Care package suggestions, Sandy-related

Re: Care package suggestions, Sandy-related

Thanks for all the feedback. I know they are going to get a lot of kids clothes, so I guess the GC is the best I can do. I feel like I can't give them enough to really make a difference and I guess I feel bad about that so was looking for something else, but I think they'll be able to use it, whatever it is. TY!!

Care package suggestions, Sandy-related

Here are a few ideas
- lots of kids clothes
- diapers
- toys and games for the kids
- robe, slippers, pjs for the parents
- a big kit of needed toiletries ( shampoo, conditioner, body lotion, soap, razors, hair care products shaving cream etc)
- hair dryer, combs, brushes
- a kit of a few basic meds: tylenol, Motrin, pepto bismol etc.

Re: Care package suggestions, Sandy-related

Care package suggestions, Sandy-related

depending on how much you want to spend, i would do: bath towels and hooded towels for the kiddies, a couple little bath toys, a few bath products (body wash, lotion, shampoo) - not fancy shmancy ones, but ones that they will actually use and need, and a gift card to amazon or target for other things.

Re: Care package suggestions, Sandy-related

I think if they're staying with their ILs they will already have home/bath related items. I would focus more on personal items such as clothing, and maybe diapers and wipes for the kids since they probably go through them quickly and need to keep replacing those. Since winter is approaching I would probably send coats, thermals, gloves, hats, scarves, sweaters, thick socks, etc... especially for the kids... Since they may not have access to a car or much time for shopping, a gc for online shopping is great too and not impersonal at all!

You are a generous friend and I'm sure whatever you give will be much appreciated!

Re: Care package suggestions, Sandy-related

See, I think if they are staying with the inlaws they won't need towels. Clothing. Toys. Book for the kids and herself. That is what they will need.

Re: Care package suggestions, Sandy-related

Re: Care package suggestions, Sandy-related

That depends on how much you want to spend.

The towels are a nice and thoughtful. I'd try to make a small gift basket maybe with small essentials like brushes, combs, hair clips for the girls, books, socks, gloves, hats, scarves, etc....I'd also add a gift card. At the end of the day, I think that the gift cards would go a long way and they can shop around for what they need so maybe an Amazon gift card or even something like an American Express gift card so they can use it anywhere.

Care package suggestions, Sandy-related

What about sending them a card and a prepaid VISA to help with the holidays. I also think toys or stuff for the kids. You could also wait and do something special for when they finally move into a new house. I would hold off on the house stuff until then.

Re: Care package suggestions, Sandy-related

i dont think they need towels...im sure the inlaws have towels to spare. I would think gift cards are best...this way they can buy what they need. i would also send a toy for each of the children...something they can enjoy since they must have lost them all and they cant understand fully understand what is going on.

Care package suggestions, Sandy-related

I can tell you that gift cards were what people wanted most after Katrina. That way they could get exactly what they needed.