First the bad news! Not all parcels and gifts arrive - some are pilfered. DON’T send saleable items such as Cds, cameras, computer games, etc. They won’t get there!
Secondly, almost everything is obtainable in India - it is a wealthy country with a lot of poor people. This means we often spend more on stamps than the item would cost in India. It is usually more cost effective to send us money to send to India for the staff there to buy your gift for you. But we appreciate it is not the same!
It is best to send things that are personal to you - photos, cards or items you have made personally (e.g. Soft or wooden toys, etc). If your child is older, toys or games are always popular. If they are teenagers, try to send something they can share with others. Avoid personal jewellery. Indians like bright colours! Other ideas - flip-flops (= thongs or jandals), but remember your child will be small for their age, sewing kits, art & craft kits.
Finally, remember they are mostly Christians, but don’t read English very well. But English Scriptures on cards, plaques, calendars and pictures will be popular - as will small ornaments.
Your Child’s Name, Your Child’s Number*,
Madurai 625 014, South India.
After discussions with John Arul, we are proposing the following system.
1. Double wrap your parcel.
2. Send parcel addressed on the outside to Love & Care India, Plot 1, Old Natham Rd, Madurai 625 014, South India. (If there is a person’s name on the outside, they may have to pay customs duty).
3. On the inside wrapper, put who it is for, i.e. the name of your child, and their code number.
4. Put a DETAILED list of the whole contents on a non-removable sticker on the outside wrapper. E.g. write ‘10 coloured pencils’, not just ‘pencils’. This should help to reduce pilfering.
5. Remember Christmas parcels tend to be delayed.
6. Email Love and Care India, jjyarul27@sify.com, as soon as you have sent your parcel, with its details. If you don’t have email, ask a friend. It’s more reliable and faster than regular mail.
7. When it arrives, they’ll email you.
8. If you haven’t heard after a month, email them.
