Theft of packages

Posted on February 26, 2012

In this letter, Aldona Gedviliene is writing to her husband’s uncle, Bronius Gleveckas, who is living in London, England. She lists items that she received in a package: “2 men’s sweaters, one women’s sweater, 2 pairs men’s wool socks, 1 pair of men’s shoes with fur lining, a men’s jacket, 2 pairs of men’s gloves, 1 pair women’s gloves, one thin scarf, 2 warm scarves,  and a women’s wool suit in grey and white colors.”

In very many letters from Siberia, there are detailed listings of items that were received in packages sent from abroad. It is clear that there was constant concern that packages were opened and items removed, prior to delivery. Also, very many letters note that promised packages never arrived. For many deported families, survival was possible only because of the packages that were sent by relatives and friends, from outside the Soviet Union.