VALENTINE, TX –  The Valentine Post Office has unveiled the winning entry that will grace the envelopes of Valentines and greeting cards as this year’s customized pictorial postmark.

For over 30 years, the unique Valentine’s Day postmark has been selected from a drawing contest among students at the Valentine Independent School District. This year’s winning artist is 12th grader Jajahira Rodriguez. Jajahira’s inspiration came from her memories of her father, who drove a tractor.  He passed away in 2022, and her drawing is a tribute to him. Jajahira grew up in Van Horn, and attends school in Valentine.  When not at school, Jajahira works at her family's restaurant.

Every year, starting in early January, the Valentine Post Office receives an abundance of Valentines and greeting cards to be stamped and sent to loved ones all over the country and around the world. Postmaster Ismelda Ornelas personally hand-cancels an average of 10,000 - 12,000 envelopes every year, and calls it a labor of love. “It never gets old. Every year brings a new experience, whether it be interesting artwork or a message of love on envelopes. It is heartwarming to know I play a small part in connecting valentines all over the country from little Valentine, TX,” says Ornelas.

A mail-in request for the customized postmark is simple. Address a greeting card to that special person(s), affix a First-Class Mail postage stamp to each, and place in a larger envelope, also with appropriate postage. Address the larger envelope to:

VALENTINE’S DAY POSTMARK
POSTMASTER
311 W CALIFORNIA AVE
VALENTINE, TX 79854-9998

There is no charge for requests for up to 50 cancellations. Requests for more than 50 cancellations will be charged five cents for each additional cancellation. The cancellation is available until March 14, 2024.

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