You’ve got mail! Not really — but you might soon if you’re dancing in THON.

Now that THON has released the list of those who will stand 46, the best weekend of they year is right around the corner. Here’s your complete guide to sending dancer mail to everyone you know who’s dancing in THON 2018.

The Deadline

Before we go any further into explaining what you should put in your letters or packages, it’s crucial to know when they need to be turned in by.

Letters and packages that are being sent through the actual mail must be postmarked by Tuesday, February 6 in order to reach the THON office in time to reach the dancers. Even though the deadline is next week, the earlier you can send these items the better.

Those who are local to State College and want to drop off letters and packages can do so through Thursday, February 8 at 5 p.m. Dancer mail can be dropped off at room 324 in the HUB.

Dancers can receive an unlimited number of letters. Dancers can only receive a maximum of seven packages, so it’s recommended you send packages in combination with some other people. Packages must be 14″x14″x8″ or smaller.

Addressing Mail

All dancer mail should be addressed as follows:

Penn State Dance Marathon (Mail Call)
Attn: Dancer Name, Dancer Number
227D Hetzel Union Building (HUB)
University Park, PA 16802

What To Include

Creativity is key when it comes to sending dancer mail. There are many different ways you can approach dancer mail — like emotional, funny, or entertaining, among other options. It’s always best to have a mix during THON weekend, so understand your dancer and send appropriately.

We spoke to a few previous dancers about their mail time experience. Dancers really appreciated receiving thoughtful letters or presents, but treasured things that kept them busy and helped them pass the time. Ideas for dancer mail could include simple puzzles, coloring books, crayons, Apples to Apples, or other easy games.

All in all, it’s important to remember that there is no such thing as bad dancer mail. No matter what you decide to send, your dancers will surely appreciate it!

What To Leave Out

For the sake of those who will be accepting your packages, either in the THON office or on the floor, please exclude perishable items. After standing for more than 40 hours, no dancer wants to be knocked over by the powerful smell of rotten food when they receive their last round of dancer mail. While in theory it’s a great idea to send treats to dancers to lift their spirits, make sure they are things that won’t mold or open in transit.

With all that said, it’s time to start packing. Once you’ve shipped off your dancer mail, you’re one step closer to THON weekend. We dance in 17!