Sending Letters to Coffee Creek: Oregon’s Mail Rules Effective Jan 13, 2025

Adults in custody can only receive two types of items directly from friends and family: photos and letters. Care packages from outside aren't allowed. If you want to send something supportive and personal through the mail, a plain letter (and approved photos) is your best bet.

For mail postmarked after January 13, 2025, write your letter in pen or lead pencil. Typewritten or photocopied letters also work. Skip crayons, markers, and similar inks; those aren't allowed under the updated rules.

The same postmark date (January 13, 2025) also controls which paper you use. Incoming mail must be on standard-weight white paper, 20 pounds or less. That's the typical white copy or printer paper most people already have at home.

Envelope Greeting Postcard Rules

• ✓ Use a white envelope only.
• ✓ Keep the envelope size at 9" x 12" or smaller.
• ✓ Use a commercially produced envelope (plain, standard envelopes are the safest choice).
• ✓ Avoid envelopes with security features, including “security tinting” (blue or purple pattern printing inside the envelope).
• ✓ Avoid nonstandard envelope materials (for example, padded, cardboard, corrugated, tear-resistant, or heavy-weight styles).

Addressing Letters

• ✓ The adult in custody’s name exactly as it appears in Oregon DOC records (no nicknames).
• ✓ The adult in custody’s Oregon state offender identification number (SID#).
• ✓ The correct facility name and complete facility mailing address.
• ✓ A complete return address with your full name and address.

Start by confirming the two details that most often cause delays: the person's name exactly as Oregon DOC has it on file (not a nickname) and their SID#. Write the facility name and full mailing address clearly. Keep your return address complete and readable, including your full name and address. Missing or mismatched info can delay or reject your letter.

If you want to send books, magazines, or newspapers, they cannot come from you directly. Those publications must be sent to the institution directly from a publisher or distributor.