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Can i send my child a care package? I just started sponsoring a 17 year old in DR. Hilario. And I want to send him something small from the USA as a ice breaker!

Hello,
I'm sure you'll get several replies and difference opinions on this! So I'll just give you my thoughts. Many people send care packages to their sponsored child, though many times the cost of shipping is more then what it would cost for the family to purchase items on their own. Also, depending on the area, it is not always guaranteed to even reach the center. My child is in Ecuador, where it is a hit or miss that the items won't be stolen in the mail system. I once sent books from Amazon, but they clearly stated there was no guarantee that they would receive the items. I had Amazon clearly mark the package as "Donation" so the family wouldn't have to pay taxes on it and they did get to the center, but it was approx. $30 to ship two books. Also, you must take into account that if the neighbors see the family receiving gifts, in some areas it may invite people to rob them etc.
I now give through "special gifts" if you donate $100 or more you can designate what the money is to be used for and you get pictures of the child with the items. I have sent money for birthdays, Christmas and a  large sum for them to purchase a bunk bed and some bedding for it. I have stated that some of the money to be used to buy a Birthday cake or presents (and food etc) and have always received several pictures along with a thank you note from the family. It is wonderful to get these pictures and see how excited the family is.  I have found that the special gift route is much easier for the center, myself and the family.   
Just my two cents! and welcome !

I agree that sending an Extra Gift ($100 or more) through CI is the most reliable way to go.  Sponsors can designate how the money should be spent, but I don't usually do this.  Often I've learned that the family needs to repair the house or buy food and they know best what their priority is.   Plus the sponsored kids get to pick out something they want or need, a rare pleasure.    I'd recommend that you send your child pictures of you and your family, pets, etc.  And a copy of his CI picture.   That would be a good introduction.  Congrats on your new sponsorship.

I agree with the others here.  I sent a first round of 3 boxes, which made it to all 3 countries.  I sent a second round of 3 boxes and one made it, one didn't get through customs until 6 months later (with "duties" almost equal to the value of the contents) and one went missing.  And they were filled with just toys and small toiletries, socks, small pocket mirrors, etc for the older kids.

If you're ok with paying the high international postage, potentially more in duties and risking that it will never arrive, then yes, CI will allow you to mail a care package.  Like the others though, I wouldn't recommend it.

I wrote a reply here on Friday, but the page swallowed it when I tried to submit it. I'll try again:

In case you haven't found it yet: If you look at the menu bar at the top of this page and click on "FAQ" on the right side and then you click on the "About Sponsorship" tab, you'll find some information about Extra Gifts (EG) and Direct Packages (DP). 

When I send something to the children I sponsor and their families, my main concern is to help them as much as possible by giving them the most value for the money I spend. I find that almost anything I could think of giving - especially things that are necessary/important like food, clothes, school supplies, etc - can be bought locally and there is no need for me to ship them halfway across the world. 

The only things I can think of that could only be sent as a Direct Package are personal items that are either made or chosen by the sponsor. I sometimes see sponsors asking for advice about what size clothes they should buy and send to their sponsored children. Since I don't enjoy shopping, I have an easy solution: I'm perfectly happy to send them an Extra Gift and let the children or their families choose whatever they like and whatever size fits. :P

As far as personal items, I only send photos and those easily fit in the envelopes with the letters I write, so it's quite possible that I will never send a Direct Package. I prefer sending Extra Gifts for the following reasons:

1) Speed - In most cases, CI can take the family shopping with an Extra Gift a lot sooner than it would take for a Direct Package to arrive, so the child/family receives the gift faster and you'll receive the follow-up faster, too.
2) Less risk/hassle - Like others have already said, a DP may get stuck in customs for a long time, you may end up having to pay duties, or it may get lost/stolen in transit and never arrive.
3) Benefits the local economy - When you send an Extra Gift, everything is bought locally, which helps support the community and local businesses.
4) More cost-effective - With a Direct Package, part of the money you spend (or most of it, in some cases) will go towards the cost of shipping the items and possibly duties. With an Extra Gift, most of it will go to the family.