MADERA, CA — When customers go to the Tackle Box at 17170 Road 26 in Madera CA 93638, they can now add postage to their tackle box. On Monday, Sept. 22, 2014, at 11:00 a.m., customers are welcome to join in a grand opening ceremony when Tackle Box opens as a Village Post Office (VPO).

Tackle Box is a gas station and convenience store that offers fishing and hunting licenses and supplies. Owner Pete Nijjar says adding a Village Post Office to Tackle Box will give his customers accessibility and convenience for purchasing stamps and Priority Mail Flat Rate postage.

At a VPO, customers are able to purchase Forever Stamps, drop off prepaid mail and packages and pick up free Priority Mail Flat Rate Boxes and envelopes. The convenience for customers is that many VPOs offer expanded business hours, including Sundays and holidays.

VPOs are located within existing communities in a variety of locations, including convenience stores, local businesses and libraries, and are operated by the management of those locations.

Post Office Operations Manager Neil Gonzalez and Madera Postmaster Ranjit Hans will join Nijjar in the grand opening ceremony.

The Postal Service receives no tax dollars for operating expenses and relies on the sale of postage, products and services to fund its operations.

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