Community Corner
Monday was the Busiest Mailing Day of the Year
USPS accepts role as Santa's Little Helpers
Monday, Dec. 20, signified the busiest mailing day of the year.
"Nationwide, we expect to postmark more than 801 million letters and cards today, easily double the volume of a typical Monday night," said Maureen Marion, manager of Public Affairs and Communications for the United States Postal Service in Connecticut.
This indicates more than a 40 percent increase over the average daily volume of 559 million. These numbers do not include the distribution of packages, which is an anticipated 152 million, a spike up from last year.
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According to Marion, Portland and East Hampton broke the one million mark for letters and cards postmarked on Dec. 20 last year. Monday was expected to be just as busy, if not more so.
During this hectic holiday season, USPS workers are asked to work longer hours, as well as pick up extra shifts. However, to avoid too much strain on employees, USPS hires additional short-time seasonal workers.
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"We welcome our role in delivering the holidays and appreciate the confidence of our customers to do so. Presuming that most holiday mail comes from afar, we look ahead a few days, to this Wednesday to be exact, for our busiest delivery day," Marion said.
Today, Dec. 21, is the recommended deadline for sending any holiday packages via Priority Mail, as well as greeting cards and holiday letters, to ensure they are received by Christmas Day.
Perhaps the most precious and important of those holiday letters being sent are letters to Santa. Not only does USPS accept the role of delivering important holiday cards and packages this season, but they also embrace the role of being Santa's little helpers.
Marion says that since the early 1900s, the Postmaster General has permitted local post offices to aid Santa in responding to letters. This season will be no exception.
"In Connecticut this season, we anticipate that we will be able to send forward about 1,400 answers to young writers, with the cooperation of Santa of course."
So you can rest easy knowing that the USPS prides itself on its mailing efficiency this holiday season, especially in regards to letters to Santa, which according to Marion, are all mailed "Special Delivery."
