Tackling Care Package Challenges
Getting a care package from home means a lot to Peace Corps Volunteers (PCVs). It might contain items that you need for your service assignment. There may be items for you to share with your host family or counterpart. But regardless of what is in that care package, just receiving one could mean a significant mental health boost. But receiving those care packages in country can be a challenge. These “care package challenges” are well known within the RPCV community.
Care Packages Are a Connection to Home
Despite our love of learning new cultures and exploring new places, it can get overwhelming. You may miss some of the comforts and familiarity of home. There is something to be said about opening a package and finding your favorite snack or new music from your favorite artist.
The care package itself could remind us that someone cares. This could make a significant difference when we are feeling alone or questioning the value of our efforts. And getting a care package during training makes you a very popular Peace Corps Trainee when there are items to share.
Care Package Challenges Aplenty
There are numerous challenges to getting those precious care packages. Some challenges are unintentional. But some are practically expected. And unfortunately, some care package challenges are the result of greed, whether by an individual or from a corporation. Some of these can be minimized once you understand what you are working with. But some are unavoidable under the current circumstances unless and until Peace Corps steps in.
Are Items Transportable?
Consider how transportable those items are. Are they delicate or perishable? Will it spoil or rot? Could it leak or ooze? These may not survive the journey. And if gets onto other people’s packages or mail, you could have some really angry people nearby. Postal mail is a luxury in some countries so damaging someone else’s mail or package may be unforgiveable no matter how much you apologize.
If these items are not critical, look for them or something similar in-country or learn to live without them. If the item is critical, seal it in a waterproof baggie. Test the baggie first to make sure it is airtight and waterproof. Then stuff the box with packing materials. Keep your fingers crossed and hope for the best!
Can the PCV Receive Packages at Site?
How easy is it for the PCV (or Trainee) to receive packages? Can the PCV receive packages at the service site? Or, does the package need to be sent to the Peace Corps office for PCV pick up? If so, it could take weeks or months to get that package from the Peace Corps office. And depending on the size of the package, the PCV may need to arrange for transportation back to site or else it could take more than one trip for all the items.
Expect Items To Be “Lost In Transit”
When that anticipated package arrives, there could be some missing or damaged items. It is very demoralizing when some items or the entire package becomes “missing”. Avoid sending valuable items whenever possible especially if they cannot be replaced. And valuable does not always mean high cost. It could be hard-to-get or highly coveted.
But if the care package has to include an item of value, the word on the street is to be creative on how to list that item on the packing sheet. Consider not listing the item. Or, list the item as used (not new) and/or list the item’s value below its actual value on the package’s packing list to discourage opportunists. But declaring a low value means that if the item comes up missing or damaged, the delivery insurance only pays out that low amount and not the actual amount.
Additionally, some RPCVs recommend hiding the valuable items inside a larger less-valuable item. Hollow out and glue the pages of a book to resemble a hidden safe. Stuff packing materials around it so it doesn’t rattle when shaken. Can you hide it inside a rolled up dirty t-shirt or smelly sock? Does it fit inside the toilet paper tube? Can you stuff it into an old shoe or dirty container? That sealed tampon box can be a pretty effective deterrent.
And, sending half an item or an incomplete item makes it relatively worthless. After all, only having one shoe or half a trinket is useless. This works as long as you can wait a few weeks for the other half.
Limited Funds for Care Package Items
Unfortunately, some PCVs do not have the funds to cover the cost of buying and sending care packages. And not every PCV has friends and family able or willing to cover the high cost of purchases or shipping. But PCVs need to be creative problem solvers.
Check in with your local RPCV group or a country of service group before you leave or from in-country. They may already have a program in place to send you a care package or two during your time in service. RPCVs are usually willing and ready to support PCVs especially if they are serving in that RPCV’s service country.
Contact your university or alumni group. They may also have a program to support you during service. It could also be a rare opportunity for them to connect and learn from your host country counterpart. If you are a part of a local social or religious group, see if they will send you with a few care packages. The local sports teams might sponsor your secondary project with games, toys, or sports equipment for the host country neighborhood children.
It is better to try to create these connections before you leave for training. Some people may be skeptical with sending items overseas without knowing you. Just ask around. Don’t be shy. If one person says “no”, move on to the next one on the list. You never know!
High Shipping Costs
In addition to the cost of the care package items, there are shipping costs. It can be very pricey to ship items overseas.
The prices depend on the country and method of transport. Shipments by air arrive faster but costs a lot more than shipments by land (or water). There could be an option to fit as much into a pre-purchased shipping box for a pre-set shipping price. This is a good option to cram in many small but weighty items. But if the package contains bulky but lightweight items, it may be cheaper to pay by weight.
Before taking on the cost and time to ship things, check to see if those items are available in-country. Once you include in the shipping (and replacement insurance) cost, it could be cheaper or more convenient to buy it locally. The local brand may not be what you are used to but it may be the better option in the long run especially if you need to buy those items often.
And, do you really need it? A key part of the Peace Corps experience is to learn about your host country family and friends. Immersing yourself is a great way to do that. Can you try using the products they use? And, their clothes may help you better adapt to the climate and stand out less!
Connect with the RPCV Network
Serving alone doesn’t mean you are alone during service. RPCV groups usually have great ideas and suggestions for what you need during service. You may even find the RPCV who previously served in your service site. Utilize the network. Get the inside scoop. RPCVs know the challenges of service.
And what works in one country may not work in another. Connect with the RPCV group of that host country to get the inside scoop on what works and what doesn’t. Many RPCVs had to find creative ways to navigate care package challenges when they served. Some of tips may still work today.
Can the Peace Corps Do More to Tackle These Care Package Challenges?
At one point in time, PCVs could get a care package sent through diplomatic mail for free. That path also ensures that package and all of its items do not get “intercepted” enroute. That option was limited to only one or two packages a year. The rest of the time, we can ship a care package internationally for in-country prices. But over time, Peace Corps stopped those “perks”. What happened?
Can the Peace Corps work out an arrangement with the US Postal Service (USPS) to offer PCVs the military service pricing and discounts for shipping supplies? The cost of shipping can be the deciding factor of getting a care package. How can we remove this hurdle for current and future PCVs?
USPS website screengrab showing free items for free shipping
In the interest of mental health and care, PCVs need care packages. Those care packages could make a difference between that PCV deciding to stay or leave. Cost should not be the deciding factor of getting a package but they often are.
Peace Corps needs to cover the shipping cost or create an arrangement with USPS or other international carriers for free shipping services. Peace Corps should also work with these shipping carriers to offer free shipping supplies. Additionally, the Peace Corps needs to allocate a budget amount to cover the cost of items in at least one care package per PCV per service year.
Peace Corps service should not be just for volunteers with financial means or from wealthy families. Peace Corps needs to consider PCVs from a variety of financial backgrounds and support systems. Care packages are important for all PCVs. And all PCVs should receive them, not just the ones who can afford them. What can Peace Corps do to help with these care package challenges?
The RPCV community knows what worked and what didn’t to get that care package. Do you know a group or organization willing to sponsor or send care packages to a hometown PCV? Let us know so we can share it!
Share your tips or challenges of care packages!