There is little that warms the hearts of college students more than receiving a CARE package from home. These bundles of food, cards and other goodies helps students feel more at home while at school, and I highly encourage you to send them.
Shortly after World War II, the Cooperative for American Remittances to Europe (CARE) was established to help rebuild Europe and feed those displaced by the war. The first CARE packages, therefore, were to Europe, not to the developing areas in the world that we usually think about. But since at least the 1970s, we’ve often used the term CARE package to apply to packages sent to college students.
College students face an array of stressors, including academic pressure, social adjustments, and homesickness. These pressures are real, and they may lead to students’ academic failure, and other personal challenges. One of the primary benefits of CARE packages is the emotional support they provide. According to a study by Thurber and Walton (2012) homesickness affects up to 94% of college students, especially those in the first year. A package from home can help alleviate these feelings by providing a tangible connection to family and friends. Dr. Susan Whitbourne, professor of Psychological and Brain Sciences at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, notes that “gifts from home can serve as transitional objects, helping students feel connected to their families and reducing anxiety.”
CARE packages often contain practical items that students might need but forget to purchase or can’t easily obtain on campus. This can include:
While I support the personal care and school supply contents of CARE packages, I’m usually in it for the snacks, especially homemade ones. If you create items such as energy squares, homemade Chex Mix, cookies and brownies, send them on. And be sure to send enough for your student to share: that will increase their popularity on their floor!
Some of the stress relief students experience as a result of a CARE package comes from the warm feeling they get when you show you care about them. The specific items you choose to include can make a difference, too. Including items such as stress balls, aromatherapy products, or even simple games can give them both a break from studying, and are a great way for managing their stress. And given that 41.6% of college students reported anxiety as a top concern, anything we do to help our students manage stress is worth it.
CARE packages can also help your student develop healthy habits. Sending them items like herbal teas, nutritious snacks, or exercise accessories can promote self-care and a healthy lifestyle for your student. Another way to support their self-care is slipping in notes from family members and friends so they have a tangible connection to their at-home support system. A study published in the Journal of American College Health found that CARE packages containing health-promoting items increased students’ likelihood of engaging in healthy behaviors.
While there may not be a direct causal link, the emotional and practical support provided by CARE packages may contribute to improved academic performance. A 2009 article in the Journal of College Student Development by Pettit and Roberts (2009) found that the social support college students experience was positively correlated to high academic achievement. And college students—who often feel less supported in their new college environment—deserve any support we can give them, even at a distance. A CARE package is often just the ticket.
Sending CARE packages to college students is more than just a kind gesture; it’s an investment in their well-being and success. It can provide emotional support, practical assistance, stress relief, and encouragement of healthy habits. More importantly, however, they keep you closely connected with your student when they may need that connection the most.
And don’t skimp on the homemade treats….
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