Dear Loved Ones: A letter from home, even a postcard from a loved one brightens a prisoner's day. It helps him or her endure the grueling stress of prison life. It helps to make the prisoner feel that he/she is cared for. A better sense of self importance helps prisoners become law abiding citizens when they're released. The letter doesn't have to be long or say much; that you're thinking about them, hope they are doing okay and maybe a little bit of family news. It may be a good idea not to whine or complain too much. Nobody likes a bitch. Your letter should simply convey the feeling that you care about the imprisoned person. One way to help brighten the prisoner's day is to use bright, interesting postage stamps; not just the common little stickers which frank ordinary mail. Each year the Postal Service issues dozens of large size, colorful commemorative postage stamps. They're the same price as common stamps, but they add interest to your mail. Recent commemorative issues have included old cars, airplanes, cartoon characters, artists, actors, historical subjects and even ancient art. Such bits of color give the prisoner something to think about besides her/his bleak surroundings and grim prospects. They help broaden her/his vista and yours, too. Some prisoners collect the stamps. Almost all prisoners save their mail. It's important to them. For stamp collectors Linn's Stamp News is a colorful, diverting weekly tabloid newspaper. A subscription might make an interesting gift. Check it out online at www.linns.com or at Box 29, Sidney, Ohio, 45365-0029, toll free: 1-800-834-5447, email linns@linns.com. It's something to get the convict's mind off crime. For postal information and to review the stamps that the post office is offering (you can even buy them online), try www.usps.goV. If nothing else, take a few moments right now to write a few lines to your imprisoned loved one. If you've forgotten his/her number (it must be on the envelope), check the prisoner locator. If you don't know the address, check the address list. The prisoner will be happy to hear from you and to see an interesting stamp. I am: Barbara Kestler Webmaster Rebecca's Bargain Antiques Collectible Vintage Photos Fine Prints - Old Maps Sheet Music - Old Books Elegant Antiques and Collectibles "A nudist camp is simply a place where men and women meet to air their differences" Anonymous, circa 1928 You are welcome to use or republish any of our material. Please give www.prisoners.com credit as the source. Return to the Families and Visiting Menu Return to the Main Menu Go to our site's Search Engine Send us Your Comments or Input.