While most students are happy to receive anything in the mail, not all care packages are created equal. As a college student at the University of Massachusetts, Michael Hauke, Box-O-Box president and CEO, knows first-hand about the double-edged sword that are packaged gifts, they need more than scraps to be special.
"I received a care package from my mom and I hated it," Hauke said. "We started the business because we can't send students this junk."
Hauke and Justin Zucker, senior product developer, listened to the complaints of their fellow students and launched Box-O-Box in 2006. What separates Box-O-Box from other care packages is that the company makes sure to incorporate items that college students will find useful. Boxes are filled with popular college items, from Burt's Bees to Slinkies.
"The majority of the stuff in the care packages is food," Hauke said. "We try to incorporate useful items for academics, or a basketball hoop, to shoot hoops in your dorm."
For UB students, food comprises most of their wish lists when thinking of the ideal care package from home.
"I got a care package from my mom that I really liked," said Becky Bergemann, a freshman sociology major. "She sent me gift cards for Subway and Starbucks and trash can cookies, which are her own special recipe."
The kits featured online cover every student demographic, from hardcore partiers to serious studiers. According to Hauke, the Detox-O-Box, a newly developed box that will be on sale soon will feature items to soothe hangovers.
"I would like to have some energy drinks and snacks for late night studying," said Rebecca Miller, a senior biology major. "Reese's Cups are my favorite."
Hauke and Zucker have introduced the "Exam Time" box for students like Miller. According to www.boxobox.com, the kit comes loaded with school supplies for the test itself, along with brain food and coffee to fuel the study session the night before.
Some students don't necessarily need help with their exams, but would rather receive a package with treats to enjoy.
"I've never gotten a care package, but if I did I would just want a lot of candy and a variety of cookies," said Elias Rosario, a freshman mechanical engineering major.
According to Hauke, both he and Zucker know a lot about what students want because they are both college graduates.
"The goal is to offer a care package that doesn't suck," Hauke said.
Box prices range from $39.99 to $49.99 for a small box, and $59.99 for a large box. Even if the price tag seems intimidating, students can always work with Box-O-Box for their next fundraising project. According to Hauke, they work with every group, from student life to parent organizations.
"We work with tons of colleges for fundraisers. The care packages are themed for the school," Hauke said. "For every box sold, the school gets a commission to go toward special events and scholarships."
According to the Web site, any items in the boxes can be substituted to match students with allergies or dietary restrictions. Before they're finished, parents can even customize the message on the front of the box, making it as personal and potentially embarrassing as they want.
"The most important thing is that parents get the information, so they have an option to send students something that shows they care," Hauke said.
To corner the cool care package market, Box-O-Box is now selling the "Box-O-Love," just in time for Valentine's Day. The kit contains everything from conversation hearts to a Make-Your-Own-Valentine kit, making it a great gift for students to give to each other.
Last semester, Box-O-Box delivered 94 care packages to UB, not including off-campus housing complexes. Box-O-Box also offers on-site delivery, which allowed co-owner Hauke to see firsthand what students thought of their packages.
"We got reactions like 'Wow, this is sick,'" Hauke said. "It was completely not what they expected, and that, in a nutshell, is what Box-O-Box is all about," Hauke said.
Additional reporting by Assistant Life Editor MATT MOSHER,
Photo: Courtesy of Laron Fomby
