Postal Workers: Unsung Holiday Heroes
The postal system is a well-oiled machine that few people actually stop and consider. During the holiday season the reliability and swiftness of the postal service is relied on for several weeks. Individuals put their cherished gifts and cards into the hands of willing individuals who will make every attempt to have those holiday treats arrive promptly at their destinations around the world.
In the United States alone, 20 billion cards, letters and packages are to be delivered between Thanksgiving and Christmas, says the United States Postal Service. More than 200,000 vehicles are dispatched to transport that mail, and mail carriers are instrumental in neighborhoods all over the country. Home pick-ups can also be scheduled if you can't make it to the nearest post office to send your package.
Canadian post offices are also very busy this time of the year. In fact, for 26 years now Canada Post has officially helped Santa respond to more than 15 million letters from children. Children mail letters to Santa to a special address at the North Pole.
Santa Claus
North Pole H0H 0H0
Canada
Postal workers and volunteers make sure that the correspondence is received and answered to bring smiles to millions of children.
Apart from the abundance of holiday greetings this time of year, the postal system must also face an influx of other mail during the season. Stores tend to send out more flyers advertising sales, and magazines may be larger -- packed with more tips, techniques and ads.
The holidays mark a time when you should give an extra measure of thanks to your mail carrier for the hard work he or she does throughout the year. It's also a time to show appreciation for the other people in your community who provide exemplary service.
The United States Postal Service media relations department confirms that postal employees are not allowed to accept monetary tips, but you can show them a token of your appreciation by offering a small gift of a value of around $20. Think about something a mail carrier would enjoy, such as a gift certificate to a local store, hand or foot warmers, cookies, movie tickets, etc. Make the gift even more special by delivering it in person and adding a personalized note. This will also ensure your regular carrier receives the gift and not a substitute one covering a route for the holidays. Canada Post employees are dissuaded from accepting holiday gifts, says a government representative.
Spread a little holiday joy to local postal workers, even if it's a smile and a "thank you" for a job well done during this busy season.
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