Grand Central Terminal Turns 100

On February 1st––as part of the centennial anniversary of New York’s Grand Central Terminal–– the U.S. Postal Service commemorated the landmark railroad station by releasing the Grand Central Terminal Express Mail stamp in the terminal’s main concourse under the vaulted constellation ceiling.

USPS VP Richard Uluski (2nd from right) and NY District Mgr. William Schnaars (extreme right) unveil Grand Central Terminal Express Mail stamp with dedicating official at 100 year anniversary event

The all day event featured a variety of guest speakers and musical performers.

“This beautiful stamp captures both the universal appeal and excitement of travel and architectural grandeur that is uniquely New York,” said USPS Northeast Area VP Richard Uluski at the ceremony.

“Stamps are a unique and beautiful way for us to honor our common American heritage,” said dedicating official NY District Manager William Schnaars. “They focus attention on the significance and beauty of great cultural icons like Grand Central Terminal. Every stamp sends a message. Our message today is; it’s time to celebrate the 100 years of the positive, historic impact that Grand Central Terminal has made in the development of our great city.”

As evidenced by the large number of people who lined up in the lower concourse to buy the Grand Central Terminal Express Mail stamp, the message was heard loud and clear.

“It’s not just philatelists who are lining up to buy these Express Mail stamps,” said Special Events Supervisor Deborah Hart who estimates that her team sold more than 55,000 stamps on Friday alone. “There are historians, architects, and people who love New York City and appreciate this building.”

“This stamp is just beautiful,” said artist and native New Yorker Ann Redmond. “The art deco design, the way the light streams through the huge windows, it’s just perfect.”

“I had to come today to buy these stamps,” added Wanda Chambers who works for the MTA. “You only turn 100 once.”

to see more photos of event Click HERE

Ordering First Day-Of-Issue Postmarks

Customers have 60 days to obtain first-day-of issue postmark by mail. They may purchase new stamps at local Post Offices, at usps.com/stamps, or by calling 800-STAMP-24 (800-782-6724). They should affix the stamps to envelopes of their choice, address the envelopes to themselves or others, and place them in larger envelopes addressed to:

Grand Central Terminal Station

Postmaster

380 W 33rd Street Room 4032

New York NY 10199-9998

After applying the first-day-of-issue postmark, the Postal Service will return the envelopes through the mail. There is no charge for the postmark. All orders must be postmarked by April 1, 2013.

Ordering First-Day Covers

The Postal Service also offers first-day covers for new stamp issues and Postal Service stationery items postmarked with the official first-day-of-issue cancellation. Each item has an individual catalog number and is offered in the quarterly USA Philatelic catalog, online at usps.com/stamps, or by calling 800-782-6724. Customers may request a free catalog by calling 800-782-6724 or writing to:

US Postal Service

Catalog Request
PO Box 219014
Kansas City, MO 64121-9014

Philatelic Products

There are four philatelic products available for this stamp issue:

§  116010, Keepsake (Pane & Digital Color Postmark Set), $220.95.

§  116016, First-Day Cover, $20.39.

§  116021, Digital Color Postmark, $21.10.

§  116031, Stamp Deck Card, $0.95.

Customers may view the Grand Central Terminal Express Mail stamp, as well as many of this year’s other stamps on Facebook at facebook.com/USPSStamps, on Twitter @USPSstamps or on the website Beyond the Perf at beyondtheperf.com/2013-preview. Beyond the Perf is the Postal Service’s online site for information on upcoming stamp subjects, first-day-of-issue events and other philatelic news.

Hub Letter Carriers Make the Connection

Letter Carrier Victor Lozada receives recognition from
MCSO Halbert Clark

Hub Letter Carriers Victor Lozada, Eugene Wright and Jean Carrenard (not pictured) submitted leads through Customer Connect that resulted in $63,109 in Quarter 3 FY12.
"I always talk to the businesses on my route," said Wright. "After hearing about EDDM (Every Door Direct Mail), the owner of Wash & Dry started mailing to 10455,10456 and 10459. They are interested in mailing their ad pieces to all of the Bronx."

MCSO Halbert Clark poses with Letter Carrier Eugene Wright 

"Med Dental Supplies was using a competitor for their package deliveries," said Lozada. "I talked to them, told them about Priority Mail and submitted a lead. Once he started using our services, he told me he sees a great savings. He like that we have no surcharges and fuel fees."
Customer Connect allows Letter Carriers to submit lead cards to customers on their route while trained sales personnel follow up with an attempt to close the sale.
Since the program was launched in 2004, more than $100 million in projected annualized revenue has been generated from nearly 50,000 Carrier leads.

"Customer Connect has helped bring back some of the business we lost over the years," said Wright. "Anything we can do to help generate more revenue is a good thing."

This Valentine's Day, Support Operation Bear Hug

The United States Postal Service is planning a surprise for the students of the

John C. Thompson School (PS-52) of Staten Island NY, one of the areas hard-hit by Hurricane Sandy.

You can help bring a bear-sized smile to these kids.

Send a Valentine's Day card to:

Operation Bear Hug

PO Box 10213

Staten Island NY 10301

Your cards will be delivered to each of the 650 students by the USPS “I Love You” Bear mascot on Feb.14^th, along with as many hugs as they can bear.

Latest Tracking Technology Deployed in New York

Pairing IMD scanner to cell phone enables GPS technology
 to transmit near real-time tracking data 

New York is one of only five Districts nationwide to be selected for the initial deployment of the IMD Wireless scanning initiative.

The Global Positioning System (GPS) based program will provide customers with added visibility and near real-time scan information on all track-able products.

“Until now, when a Letter Carrier scanned a package as attempted or delivered, scan information was not available to the customer until the Carrier returned to the office and downloaded their scanner” explained Operations Programs Specialist Khandokar Ali. “With IMD Wireless, scan data will be transmitted wirelessly every 15 minutes to our Product Tracking System (PTS) and will be available on the web while the Carrier is still out on the street.”

IMD Wireless works by pairing the Letter Carrier’s existing IMDAS (Intelligent Mail Data Acquisition System) scanner to a proprietary cell phone via Bluetooth technology. Once paired, the cell phone will be holstered and remain with the Letter Carrier for the rest of the day. When the Letter Carrier scans an item at a delivery point, the IMDAS scanner automatically transfers the data through the cell phone to the Local Intelligent Mail (LIM) Computer, which in turn transmits it to the PTS. The IMDAS scanner features a communications screen to inform the Letter Carrier of the status of the device and gives him/her an option to commence data transfer or postpone it if they are in middle of performing scans.

“It was a simple learning curve,” said James A. Farley Letter Carrier Calvin Kuang. “It’s a good tool that will help keep the Postal Service competitive.” 

Eight sites in New York District have initiated deployment of the IMD Wireless program. They are James A. Farley (10001), Murray Hill (10016), Grand Central (10017), Radio City (10019), Franklin D. Roosevelt (10022), Ansonia (10023), Gracie (10028) and Times Square (10036).

There are 17 more sites in the District and 500 total sites nationwide scheduled to receive IMD Wireless technology in January.

“We saw an eight percent growth in package revenue in 2012,” said Manhattan Postmaster Robert Brown. “This technology will help us further enhance that side of the business and generate more revenue.” 

New York Letter Carrier Featured in Esquire.com

Esquire.com- one of the world's leading publications devoted to the male lifestyle- has posted a comprehensive article about how the U.S. Postal Service delivers a first-class letter from point A to point B. Throughout the piece, the writers express their take on the state of the Postal Service. But the most compelling part of the story is toward the end when New York District Letter Carrier Anthony Mitchell is interviewed.

Mitchell, who has worked for the Postal Service since 1984, had this to say about his 15 minutes of fame.
"The day after the photographer and interviewer left," he smiled, "I still put on my uniform and attended to my daily postal duties. In life, it's a good idea to keep things in perspective and to be balanced. But it was a lot of fun."

To read the article Click HERE

JAF Letter Carrier Anthony Mitchell gets paparazzi treatment from Esquire.com writers and photographers during interview

Big Apple Delivers the Green

The Green roof at Morgan P & DC is the largest in New York City.

The outdoor oasis is 109,000 square feet and is expected to reduce 

energy use 30 percent by 2015.

The New York District’s environmentally proactive Lean Green Team has been recognized as the top performer in the nation for achieving the highest total positive impact (TPI) to the bottom line, and for engaging the most facilities in green programs in FY12.

When you combine the total amount of money saved by adhering to programs that conserve facility energy, vehicle fuel, consumables spending and landfill costs, the Bronx earned the highest TPI in the country––$1,765,816, with Manhattan coming in second with a TPI of $486,885.

Similarly, the Bronx was first in facilities engagement with 45 of 50 stations (90 percent) participating in Lean Green Team programs and Manhattan second; with 63 out of 72 stations going green (87.5 percent).

“We are the sustainability champions,” smiled NY District Mgr. of Maintenance James Hardy.

The U.S. Postal Service is committed to a creating a culture of conservation by encouraging employees, customers, suppliers, the mailing industry, and their federal peers to adopt sustainable business practices. By deploying a Lean Green Team in every District in the nation, the Postal Service is strategically armed to reach their corporate goals of reducing facility energy, fuel consumption and water use, divert waste sent to landfills, and increase use of alternative vehicle fuel.

“As one of the largest employers in the nation, The Postal Service has to lead the way in how to go about our business with respect to the environment,” said Manhattan Postmaster Robert Brown. “We are extremely proud that the New York Green Team is recognized for their environmental contributions. It reflects nicely on all New York District employees.”

New York Beats Philly - Edwards Top-Seller in District

L to R: Supv. Toni Parkinson, SSA Cynthia Edwards,
winner of 2012 Holiday Gift Card Contest

In a friendly but intense competition between the two Districts, New York beat Philadelphia Metro in a cross-city Holiday Gift Card contest by selling 2,828 American Express Gift Cards compared to a mere 1,412 sold by the "City of Brotherly Love."

The top selling retail office in the New York City was Grand Central, which sold 322 gift cards, while the top selling Sales & Service Associate (SSA) was Rockefeller Center’s Cynthia Edwards––with 100 gift card transactions.

Edwards’ efforts helped Rockefeller Center sell a total of 175 gift cards; good enough for third place over-all in the District. 

James A. Farley Post Office came in second with 260.

  

“I kept asking my Supervisor how I was doing with card sales,” said Edwards, who is a 40+  year Postal veteran. “I was very excited about winning the contest.”

“I told Cynthia that she was in the running, but I didn’t want her to get her hopes up, so I told her she needed to sell more,” laughed Supervisor Toni Parkinson.

American Express Gift Cards are prominently displayed on counter tops in most retail offices in the District. They can be purchased in denominations of $25, $50, and $100. Standard activation fees apply.

By selling more than 2800 gift cards, New York District nearly doubled their targeted goal of 1500 units, said Marketing Manager Raschelle Parker.

“I was thrilled to learn I outsold every SSA in New York” said Edwards, who will receive a $25 American Express Gift Card. “I tell all my customers that buying these gift cards is better than shopping; one size fits all, and they don’t expire. The contest may be over,” she continued, “but I’m still selling. Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, whatever the occasion, they make great gifts.”

New Year- New Rates- New Services

USPS customers will be happy to learn that the new postage rates that will go onto effect on January 27, 2013 will also provide some new service enhancements.

Leading the list is USPS Tracking––the service that provides customers with the ability to know when their package arrives to its destination.

“With USPS Tracking, which replaces Delivery Confirmation, there are no more forms to fill out,” said New York District Marketing Manager Raschelle Parker. “Your tracking number will be printed right on your receipt. And best of all, the service is absolutely free when used with Priority Mail, Express Mail or Standard Post service at the retail counter.”

Customers who prefer to mail parcels by First-Class Mail, Media Mail or Library Mail service can still purchase USPS Tracking for an additional fee.

Italian artist Leonello Calvetti
used a variety of maps, primarily from NASA,
and 3D technology to create this design.

Another enhancement for 2013 is the First-Class Mail Global Forever Stamp. The new stamp will allow customers to mail letters anywhere in the world for one set price of $1.10. The Global Forever stamp may also be used to mail a 2-ounce letter to Canada.

New Rates for Popular Products

(effective January 27, 2013)

Letters (1oz.) 46 cents––additional ounces: unchanged at 20 cents

International Letters (1oz.) $1.10

Postcards: 33 cents

Priority Mail Flat-Rate Box Small: $5.80

                                       Medium: $12.35

                                       Large: $16.85

For complete list of new mailing service pricing go to http://pe.usps.com/

Collection Boxes Removed for Times Square Celebration

Times Square, New York City, during annual New Year's Eve celebration

 As the estimated one million revelers congregate in Times Square tonight to celebrate New Year’s Eve, an elite group of U. S. Postal Service employees can take satisfaction in knowing they help keep everyone safe.

L to R: SMO Orlando Lozada, Maint. Mechanics John Carmitchel,
Harvey Josephowitz, Darrlye White 

In conjunction with the NYPD and the Manhattan Centralized Collection Unit, technicians from the New York District’s Central Maintenance Service (CMS) removed 13 collection boxes from the “crossroads of the world”––an area that stretches from 40^th street to 48^th street along both 7^th Avenue and Broadway.

“Unfortunately, collection boxes make a great depository for other things beside mail, like explosives,” said Supv. Maintenance Operations Orlando Lozada. “So whenever there is an event in the city where they expect a lot of people, we remove or sometimes seal the boxes for the safety of the public.”

“We removed them on December 26^th,” said Maintenance Mechanic Darrlye White. “We drill out the bolts that fasten the boxes to the sidewalk and cart them away to Morgan. We will put them all back on January 2^nd.”

Securing collection boxes for New Year’s Eve in Times Square is a high profile task, but the 83 employees in CMS are also responsible for maintaining and repairing air-conditioning and heating units throughout the New York District, as well as carpentry, plumbing, painting, welding and Letter Carrier cart repairs.

“Plus, we repair collection boxes that get hit by motor vehicles, on an almost daily basis,” added Lozada.

Deep in the sub-basement of Morgan P&DC, White takes inventory of how many expansion bolts he will need to re-fasten the collection boxes to their rightful place on the streets of New York.

“Movie shoots, parades, rallies, concerts, there are so many events in this city where we need to temporarily remove collection boxes,” said White. “It’s seems like a simple thing, but it’s a very important job.”

“With the way things have been in the news lately, it’s a great feeling to know that in our own little way we can contribute to the safety of our fellow New Yorkers,” said Lozada. “We wish everyone a safe and happy New Year.”  

Times Square Takes the Cup

Times Square station earned the Manhattan Postmaster's Cup for Excellence in Retail after posting the biggest increase in revenue over SPLY (Same Period Last Year) and the highest scores in Retail Customer Experience (RCE) in Quarter 4 FY '12.

L to R: Area Mgr. Ron Hart, NY PM Robert Brown, SSAs Jacqueline Goodwin, Debra Caldwell, Winston Campbell, Cheryl Vogel, Che-Kia Batts, Rose Lui, Station Mgr. Anthony Carlo, Supv. Valerie Vahamonde

Manhattan Postmaster Robert Brown and Area Manager Ronald Hart presented the retail staff with the grandiose travelling Cup, and immediately challenged them.
"Not one station has been able to repeat this achievement and hang on to the Cup for longer than one quarter," said Brown. "You have done a phenomenal job at generating revenue by up-selling and keep the lines moving along swiftly. So now let's see if you can do it for two quarters in a row."
"We accept the challenge and will make every effort to repeat our success next quarter," predicted Station Manager Anthony Carlo.
"We have a great staff that works hard as a team," said Supv. Valerie Vahamonde. "Our priority is our customers, but receiving this cup is a very nice accomplishment for the staff."

Received Yet Another Ugly Sweater for Christmas?

With an estimated one third of all gifts expected to be sent back, the U.S. Postal Service makes returns shipping easy and convenient by offering a lineup of options that fit the needs of both consumers and merchants.

USPS Returns include Priority Mail Return Service, First-Class Package Return Service, and Ground Return Service. These services include tracking on each package and offer simplified payments for larger shippers.

If the merchant didn't include a prepaid return label with the order, the Postal Service offers a convenient way to return those unwanted gifts. Consumers can go to Click-N-Ship online at http://usps.com/clicknship to print a label — Delivery Confirmation is included at no additional charge for Priority Mail — and schedule a free package pickup. 

On January 27, 2013, USPS will introduce Parcel Return Service-Full Network for high-volume shippers. It will offer the benefits of free tracking, simplified payment, and flexible label printing options.

For more information on returns, visit usps.com/returns

Creative NY Employees Share Holiday Greetings

Mail Clerk Frank Rodriquez photo-shopped these images of the iconic James A. Farley Post Office and many of its employees wishing everyone a joyful holiday season.







Madison Square Letter Carrier Ivan Ramos exemplifies the spirit of New York District employees during holiday season while on his route.

It’s that time of the year

And I’m sure there’s no doubt

That once again old St Nick

Will need us to bail him out

So we’ll line up the tractors

And fill them with fuel

Load all of the packages

And be ready for the Yule

TTO (Tractor Trailer Operaters) Elves will be dressed

They’ll be ready to go

They won’t miss a house

No matter how much it snows

To the children’s delight

They will bring lots of toys

To the parent’s delight

There will be much joy

Then the trucks will drive off

Disappear into the night

Thank you TTO Elves

For making Christmas bright

Then back to the Post Office

To corral all the “sleighs”

For the TTO Elves

This was a great day

Make this Christmas special. Buy your kids an extra toy. Take a day off from work to spend with them. Hold them a little closer. Life is too short to talk about what you should have done when you had the chance. Be grateful you’re not one of the 20 families planning a funeral this Christmas.

“Supervisor Sandy”

Sandra Gershenson 

Supv. Transportation Operations

Outward Bound School's Symbolic March to Post Office

As a group of 100 enthusiastic high school seniors from nearby James Baldwin Expeditionary School marched towards Old Chelsea Post Office in Manhattan, Finance Supv. Raymond Mapps said, “The U.S. Postal Service is always happy to contribute to the community in a meaningful way––especially when it supports the education of our youth.”

A member of the NYC Outward Bound Schools Network, the James Baldwin was one of many schools throughout the city that staged the symbolic march to their local Post Office to mail out their college applications–on time.

New York District Post Offices hosted two additional “Student Marches” at Washington Bridge (10033) and Tremont (10457). More "Marches" were held in Triboro District Post Offices.

Seniors gather outside of Old Chelsea Post Office on West 18th Street in Manhattan

Seniors wave school pennants and college applications in the Old Chelsea lobby

Seniors form line to drop college applications into mail slot

NYC Outward Bound Schools operates a growing network of Expeditionary Learning schools in partnership with the NYC Department of Education. These college-preparatory schools bring demanding academics, community and character to NYC public schools in all five boroughs, ensuring that all students, regardless of background, are challenged and supported to accomplish more than they ever thought possible.

Tamara Oliveras, who hopes to attend Northeastern University and wants to be a neurosurgeon, said she was very excited and grateful for the opportunity the school provided her.

Joseph Alvarez wants to major in Psychology at Temple University, and said that thanks to the school, he has the confidence to know he can achieve his goals.

Inside the Old Chelsea Post Office, School Principle Christine Olsen addressed the proud seniors and thanked the Postal Service for their support.

“Today throughout the five boroughs, 600 Outward Bound students are marching to their local Post Office to mail out their college applications,” said Olsen to the pennant waving assembly. “You are role models for the students coming up behind you.”

 “This school makes me feel at home,” said Luis Espinal, who intends to attend Lafayette College. “We all care for and support each other.”

“It’s been an emotional day,” added Alyssa Pimentel, who wants to study at Barnard College. “The students, the teachers and staff, helped bring me out of my shell.”

A resounding 93 percent of graduates from NYC Outward Bound School Network were accepted to college.

NYC Outward Bound Schools has served over 55,000 young people since 1987.   

Unique Post Office Box Established for Families Affected by Newtown Tragedy

The U.S. Postal Service has established a unique Post Office Box to allow employees and the public to send condolences to those affected by the tragedy in Newtown, CT, last week.

Those who wish to send expressions of comfort should address them to:

Messages of Condolence for Newtown

PO Box 3700

Newtown CT 06470

After visiting the Newtown Post Office, Connecticut District Manager Kimberly J. Peters said, “We understand that there is an outpouring of support for everyone in the Newtown area and we hope to make it easier for those who wish to send encouragement and messages of compassion to those affected. Having a central address will make it easier to isolate this mail for efficient distribution."

Busiest Mailing Day in New York

With an estimated 2.7 million originating letters and cards and 700,000 international letters and cards being mailed in the New York District yesterday, an army of managers and supervisors went to busy Post Offices throughout the city to provide lobby support on the busiest mailing day of the year.

Manhattan Postmaster Robert Brown helps customer at the JAF Post Office

Bronx Postmaster Elvin Mercado assists customer at Bronx GPO

Manager Francisco Gutierrez gives customer packaging options at
Williamsbridge Post Office in the Bronx

 “One week before Christmas is designated as the busiest mailing day because that’s when people start feeling the pressure to mail out their cards, letters and packages,” said Bronx Postmaster Elvin Mercado as he assisted customers on line at Bronx GPO. “Thursday is probably the last day to send First Class mail and expect it to arrive to its destination by Christmas. After that, you should use Priority Mail or Express Mail.”

Business Development Specialist Wilma Rivera patrols the line at
Planetarium Post Office in Manhattan

“We want the customer experience to be especially positive during the holiday season, so we gave about 20 of our managers a refresher course on our products and services and assigned them to busy Post Offices around the city on the busiest mailing day to help alleviate the crush,” said Marketing Manager Raschelle Parker.

Additionally, according to Operations Program Specialist Khandokar M. Ali , a projected 2,561,614 packages will be mailed the week of Dec. 17-23.

“Yesterday was a very busy day in the lobbies ,” said Manhattan PM Robert Brown.  “Our employees all worked  hard to provide an positive experience and the customers I talked to were pleased with the service they received.”

Nationally, an estimated 658 million pieces of mail were mailed out yesterday, Dec. 17.

Mgr. Mavis Smith and TSPO Valerie Donald attend to the lines at JAF

TSP InstitutesTemporary Change for Hurricane Sandy Victims

The Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board, administrator of the Thrift Savings Program (TSP), has made temporary changes in the financial hardship withdrawal rules for employees affected by Hurricane Sandy.
For a limited time, TSP participants can make hardship withdrawals either for themselves or for their family members.
Also, TSP is waiving its rule barring contributions for a 6-month period following a hardship withdrawal, allowing participants to more quickly restore their savings.
To qualify for a hardship withdrawal, participants must meet the following criteria:

• The participant’s primary residence or place of employment must be in a covered disaster area.
• The loss must have been a result of Hurricane Sandy.
• Participant’s hardship withdrawal request will be used for themselves or to assist an eligible family member who lives or works in a covered disaster area and incurred a loss as a result of Hurricane Sandy.
• The participant must be a federal employee.
• The participant must write “Hurricane Sandy” on the top of page 1 of Form TSP-76.
• The participant must check the “Personal Casualty” box on page 2 of the request form, as the reason for requesting financial hardship.
• The participant request must be received by Jan. 25, 2013. The distribution must occur before Feb. 1, 2013. 

Participants who want to stop making TSP contributions must complete Form TSP-1, Election Form, or use the applicable automated system.

100th Anniversary of Operation Santa Claus in NYC

Santa makes surprise visit at the 100th Anniversary of "Op Santa" program held at James A. Farley Post Office in NYC

It was only fitting that Postmaster General Patrick Donahoe was on hand to kick-off the 100th anniversary of the Letters To Santa program at the James A. Farley Post Office in New York- a campaign that has helped fulfill holiday wishes of children and their families from around the world.

Over a century ago NY Postal Clerks from the Money Order Division, touched by letters addressed to Santa, dug into their own pockets to purchase food and toys to distribute to needy children in the area.
The public response was so positive, that in 1912, Postmaster General Frank Hitchcock authorized local postmasters to allow Postal employees and citizens to adopt to the letters, and the program became officially recognized as “Letters to Santa” — except here in New York, where it’s called “Operation Santa.”

"The Letters to Santa program has made dreams come true for those in need for 100 years," said Donahoe to the crush of school children, Postal officials, media and the general public. "This is a time to celebrate how Postal employees, charitable organizations, businesses and others have made a difference in the lives of children coast to coast."

"I can tell you that amazing things happen during this time of year, and many wishes and dreams are fulfilled right here, at Operation Santa New York," said Pete Fontana, CEO of the Postal Holidays, and Chief Elf Operating Officer for Operation Santa.

 "So if you are so inclined to help Santa out this year, the program opens to the public beginning tomorrow Dec 5^th, and runs through December 24th.You are all invited to come by, read some letters, and if one touches your heart you can help us deliver dreams."

Children from PS-33, who entertained the assembly with Christmas carols before the event started, received some early holiday cheer when Santa Claus stopped in and gave each child a bag filled with goodies.

New York’s Operation Santa program is the largest in the country, receiving more than half-million letters a season. Every Christmas, tens of thousands of people come to James A. Farley Post Office to adopt a letter.

PMG Patrick Donahoe commends Chief Elf Operating Officer Pete Fontana for coordinating "Op Santa" program every year in New York

PS-33 School Children sing carols prior to kick-off

SCS Lynne Watson-Miyamoto sings National Anthem

Operation Santa

Hours & Dates at James A. Farley Post Office

421 8th Avenue New York NY 10199

Dec. 5-24, 2012

Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday & Saturday- 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Thursday- 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Closed on Sunday

For more information call 212-330-3000

email nyoperationsanta@usps.gov

See video of Letters to Santa on Manhattan Neighborhood Network Tuesday, December 18 and Dec. 25 at 9 pm on Time Warner Cable channel 56, RCN ch. 83 or Verizon FiOS ch. 34.  It will stream live at that time on http://www.mnn.org/live/2-lifestyle-channel
It can also be watched on the youtube link below.


http://www.youtube.com/kristalhart

Check out the new USPS Holiday Blog Here

Holiday By The Numbers

The U.S. Postal Service continues as a $65 billion company serving more than 150 million American homes, businesses and PO Boxes in every state, city, town and borough in the country- delivering nearly 40 percent of the world’s mail.

As the holiday season shifts into high gear, consider these numbers next time someone tells you USPS isn't a vital part of America's infrastructure anymore. 

237 –            Number of years USPS has been delivering holiday cheer

17.9 billion-  Amount of cards, letters and packages delivered between Thanksgiving and                                New Year’s Eve 2012

658 million-  Number of pieces of mail processed on Dec. 17, the busiest mailing day of  

                           2012

528 million-  Average number of pieces of mail processed daily

560 million-  Average number of pieces processed daily during the holidays

29.5 million- In pounds, the amount of mail USPS will process for overseas military 

                           installations

170,000-       Number of vehicles used to transport holiday mail

2.5 billion-    Amount of holiday stamps USPS has available this year

242 million-  Number of customers who visit a Post Office during the holidays

34 percent-  Percentage increase of air cargo lift of mail by USPS during the holidays

37 million-    Customer visits to usps.com during the holidays

Important Mail-by-Dates

                    Dec. 3- Priority Mail International

                        Dec. 11- Express Mail International

Dec. 14- Parcel Post

       Dec. 20- First-Class Mail

Dec. 21- Priority Mail

  Dec. 22- Express Mail 

100 Percent Connection

Congratulations to Cathedral and Hamilton Grange Stations for reaching and surpassing 100 percent participation in the Customer Connect program for Quarter 3.

Hamilton Grange Letter Carriers submitted enough Customer Connect leads to meet their target goal and achieve 100 percent participation.
Cathedral Letter Carriers submitted more Customer Connect leads than their target goal and therefore achieved a 146 percent participation score.

(Foreground L to R): Branch 36 CCC David Velazquez, BDS Wilma Rivera, Manhattan PM Robert Brown, Station CCC John Rodriquez, and Mgr. Colin Craigwell present Cathedral Letter Carriers Certificate 

(From Left to Right) Manhattan Postmaster presents Mgr. Richard Thompson, Supv. Maureen Best and Cathedral Station Letter Carriers with Certificate. Station CCC Tracey Diamond holds Certificate. Branch 36 CCC David Velazquez (Far Right) and BDS Wilma Rivera (3rd from right) made presentation   

“We wanted to show our appreciation to all the Letter Carriers who did their part in submitting Customer Connect leads and help increase revenue,” said Business Development Specialist (BDS) Wilma Rivera as she and Branch 36 Customer Connect Coordinator (CCC) David Velazquez presented the stations with a Certificate.

“As more and more stations meet their participation goals, David and I will be there to recognize them.”

The Customer Connect program encourages Letter Carriers to leverage their relationship with customers by identifying new business opportunities and obtaining customer concurrence to meet with a sales representative. To find out more about the Customer Connect program Click HERE