Hospitality, Care Packages, and the College Student
I really hope that when I get my three teens raised and on their way in life, or out of college, that I’ll be mindful of my younger friends’ college students.
Just as a few of my friends and family members have been to my son, who’s away at school.
Last time we had our friends Jeannie and Minor over for dinner, they not only brought Elliot banana bread and other baked goods, they made him a stash of burritos to take back to college.
Burritos are so yummy and freezable, they’re a great snack for kids who live at home, too.
Easy for the microwave and much better and tastier for you than store-bought burritos.
You can read my post from last year on how to freeze them.
Of course, Jeannie’s were larger and tasted way better than “Mom’s,” but I was happy to deliver them to my son.
Hospitality can be as simple as thinking of a college student longing for a home-cooked meal.
Wouldn’t you agree?
Do you have any “care package” or “freezing tips” that you’d like to share here at RE?
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I’m Sandy—lover of food, family, cooking, THE BIG BOARD, travel, and bringing people together. Through great recipes and connection around the table, we become better, stronger, and more courageous people. Feasting on Life is real, and every time we do it, we grow a little more. Read more...
Terrific idea! Also good for a family with a new baby, or anyone who can benefit from some extra meals in the freezer (busy/stressed young parents, families struggling with a difficult illness,etc.) Thanks for sharing the idea! ~K
Burritos are my favorite thing ever! I am curious, do you actually mail them frozen? Wondering how that works.
What awesome ideas. My girls are still at home, but we do have a girl from our youth group who is away at college and we’ve thought of putting together a care package for her. I think it’s awesome to include their friends/roommates….they may not receive them and how awesome to receive something from your roomies family! Sandy, love the frozen burrito idea. I make them at home for us loaded with meat, red beans and rice and refried beans and cheese. They’re hearty, healthy and would definitely fill up a college student.
No wisdom- just a memory of a friend whose mom always made these unbelievable chocolate chip cookies and brought them to her in a clean pizza box.
When I was in college I had a roomates mother who would give us each a small token for every holiday. For example, a stuffed turkey at Thanksgiving, an elf at Christmas, a fleece blanket to mark fall. It was always so sweet.
Our church put together care packages for all the college students this past year. We included Starbucks Via coffee, Hot Chocolate, mugs, gift cards, granola bars and other prepackaged treats, scarves for the girls, woolen hats for he guys. I think there were also things like pens and other practical student like type things too. Children in our congregation drew pictures. The pastors wrote a letter to include. We tried to balance fun with practical and make the whole thing encouraging.
They were a huge kit with the kids.
Having THREE sons in college right now I have become somewhat of a pro at sending or delivering the goods. And including their friends is important too. Even though they seem so grownup – the attention from home is still very important. Great blog post!
xo Cathy
^^ I agree. Learning my independence was important but familial (and community) support is crucial to academic success. Homemade gifts and gift cards in any amount were very much appreciated. Various elder women at my church would quietly slip me $5 or $10 dollars and I was so grateful because of what it represented. It made me realize that they wanted to invest in my future in any way they could and that they really believed in me and what I was doing for myself and my community. I went on to get my BS and MPH and am actively involved in mentoring…I think I’ve made them proud. :-) In the end, that’s all many students really want…is to make their parents, and community proud…good jobs and salaries are icing on the cake.
Our daughter received an Easter basket in the mail…and she was over the moon. What a fun idea as many college students are unable to be with their families for Easter.
I have packaged laundry soap in take out contIners and canning jars and attached a $5 bill to the card. It is simple and always appreciated.
Frozen scones are also a great gift as college students would rather snooze than catch breakfast!
This is such a thoughtful idea. My son will be going to school across the country…and he LOVES banana bread. Over here from Cottage and Vine. Beautiful blog.
My college kids love homemade chocolate chip cookie dough. Our favorite recipe: http://www.susiedavis.org/2010/12/julies-chocolate-chip-cookies/
And I used to make a dozen breakfast tacos and send them with my college son. Great for a quick breakfast on the way to class.