Need ideas for a Charley Care package.....

[lizdotcom99]

I am going to go out and pick some things up to send to my mom today.....she is in Fort Myers and wasn't very well prepared for the storm......they were told they would not have power back for at least 10 days. Any ideas on what might be good to send? Here is what I have on my list so far:

Mobile phone minutes card for her phone, she is totally out of minutes and I can't get a hold of her!!!!!
Candles
Ready to eat food and canned goods
Batteries and another flashlight
Toliet paper

Is there anything else that anyone can think of that may be helpful to send without weighing a ton? Thanks for your input...I am sure you all have some great ideas!!!

 

[CourtasanSatine]

maybe some comfort food like a bag of cookies or candy

 

[IMGONNABE40!]

Tuna in envelopes rather than cans would be lighter to mail. Also, food service packets of mayo would not need refrigeration. Hbout gift certificates for restaurants since they are not able to cook. I think some of FM is unaffected and perhaps they can go out to eat.

News stories about the storm. Without electricity, they are not getting the same info that we are getting.

 

[doxdogy]

Paper towels or napkins, pre-moistened baby wipes and trash bags.

 

[IMGONNABE40!]

Hand sanitizer gel--the waterless kind, like Purell.

 

[CEDmom]

Socks and underwear would probably be a good idea. I know if I fall behind doing laundry for just a few days we can all be running a little low. With a storm coming that may have been one of the farthest things from her mind.

Along the same lines as baby wipes, how about moistened body wipes. They're larger and thicker than the baby wipes. I've gotten them in the grocery store.

 

[lizdotcom99]

Love the idea about the tuna and mayo........a loaf of bread with that and they will be all set for lunch!!!

 

[CourtasanSatine]

small versions of things like shampoo and lotion

 

[suzannews]

Do you know if she has mail service? We didn't have any yesterday and no word on Monday yet. Just a thought.

 

[Aurora63]

I would skip the candles and stick with the flashlight...maybe add and extra. emergency people are strapped as it is, and if the worst happened, they might not be able to get to her as quickly as normal.

 

[mommytotwo]

Blankets and towels, tylenol-so that she has them from someone she knows and also is reassured that it is safe to take coming from you, and maybe a book or novel, just to keep her mind off of things at times.

 

[tink2dw]

New toothbrushs and paste? Or mints.

Paper plates and plasticware

 

[MdmMim]

Does she have a can opener (non-electric)?

 

[orvilleair]

You've got a lot of great ideas already. How about a swiss army knife, dried fruit, trash bags, collaspable water container, duct tape, good rain gear, transistor radio. I wonder if there are products that would make it better for her to cope with the heat since there is no power for the Air conditioner.

 

[lizdotcom99]

Headed out to Target to go and get some stuff!!! It is so hard to NOT be able to do more....and even harder not to be able to talk to my family while they are there and I am here!!!!

Thanks for the great ideas!!!

Liz

 

[lvs_eeyore]

Liz before you send the package make sure she has mail service. That is the first thing they stop when the damage is as widespread and as awful as it was. I know the areas that were hit by Andrew didnt have mail service for a very long time. I would hate for you to send it and it not be able to even get to her. Is there someone who does have mail service that can bring it to her?

 

[Talking Hands]

Lvs_Eeyore we got mail service back before we got electricity. We got a pick up location within 2 weeks. I wouldn't be surprised if they are faster this time after the experience of Andrew. Btw we got electricity at 3 weeks and our neighbors across the street in a different grid din't get it for over a month.

Liz I would still hold off on sending a package. A lot of stuff will be provided through FEMA, Red Cross, Salvation Army, and the National Guard. We even had truckers pulling in and handing out needed supplies for free including dog and cat food. Water, personal items, food, flashlights and lanterns. It was unbelievable.