Mail to HRYCI: What You Can and Can't Send (Size, Content, and Format Rules)
Mail rules at HRYCI are strict, and small details can get your letter or photos rejected. Follow these size and content rules to make sure your mail actually reaches your loved one.
For regular mail, use standard letter paper - no larger than 8½ x 11 inches. Envelopes must be 4 x 9½ inches or smaller, so skip the legal-size ones. Greeting cards have a tighter limit: 5 x 7 inches max. Stay within these measurements and your mail should clear screening without issues.
Return address required: All non-legal mail must include a return address. If it’s missing, the mail won’t be accepted.
Photos are allowed, but they need to be between 4 x 6 inches and 8½ x 11 inches. You can send up to 10 photos at a time - no more. Before sealing the envelope, count your photos and double-check the print sizes. Go over the limit or send the wrong dimensions, and the whole mailing gets rejected.
- ✓ Keep photos within 4 x 6 inches to 8½ x 11 inches
- ✓ Send no more than 10 photos at a time
- ✓ Recount your photos before sealing the envelope
Greeting cards need to be simple. HRYCI only accepts commercially produced cards on standard card stock, sized 5 x 7 inches or smaller. Avoid anything with extras. No glitter, rhinestones, stickers, or glued-on decorations. Pop-up cards and anything electronic or battery-operated won't make it through either. Even harmless-looking add-ons can get your entire piece of mail rejected.
Card warning: If the card has embellishments (like glitter, stickers, or pop-ups), expect it to be rejected.
Keep the paper clean and plain. Crayon, highlighter, and markers aren't allowed. Glitter is a problem too - even a little residue can get your letter kicked back. Stay away from anything that looks like a substance on the page. Lipstick marks, unusual stains, body fluids, perfumes, oils, or any unknown residue will cause rejection. Trying to make your letter "special" with scent or decorations? It's more likely to keep it from being delivered.
Keep it plain: Don’t use perfume, lipstick, markers, or anything that leaves residue or stains on the paper.
Some items are completely off-limits. Don't send packages, pornography, cash, stamps, tobacco, or illegal substances. If you're unsure whether something counts as an "extra," play it safe - stick to simple letters, plain cards, and approved photos only.
Pre Mail Checklist
- ✓ Write letters on paper no larger than 8½ x 11 inches
- ✓ Use an envelope no larger than 4 x 9½ inches
- ✓ Include a return address on all non-legal mail
- ✓ If you send photos, keep them between 4 x 6 inches and 8½ x 11 inches (max 10 at a time)
- ✓ Send only commercially produced greeting cards on standard card stock (max 5 x 7 inches)
- ✓ Avoid glitter, stickers, rhinestones, pop-ups, glued-on items, and anything battery operated
- ✓ Keep paper free of crayon, highlighter/marker, lipstick marks, stains, perfumes, oils, or any unknown substance
- Measure everything - confirm your paper, envelope, and any card are within the allowed size limits.
- Add your return address - non-legal mail must include it.
- Mail it as a standard letter - use the correct postage for your envelope and contents.
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