PUBLICITY KIT

Holiday 2004 — We're Working for You!

This year's holiday theme, We're working for you!, is just how our Public Affairs and Communications Field Communications team feels now that it's time to relay the appropriate messaging and generate media coverage for the holidays.

Publicity Tips

1. Use the sample news releases included in this kit or develop your own using these as a guide. Send the completed releases to local newspapers and radio and television stations. Several days after mailing the release, follow up with a phone call to the local reporters, editor, or news director.

2. Plan special events to get media attention. Special events could include:

• Hosting a demonstration of our quick, easy, convenient suite of online solutions that includes Click-N-ShipTM, carrier pickup, NetPost CardStore, and NetPost Mailing OnlineTM.

• Hosting a wrapping demonstration in the Post OfficeTM lobby.

• Holding a Happy Holidays customer appreciation event to kick off the holiday mailing season. Feature gift ideas from the Postal ServiceTM such as phone cards or items from the Postal Store as well as mailing tips to avoid holiday glitches.

3. Call local radio and television news and talk show producers. Offer to be a guest on programs airing before Christmas to discuss mailing deadlines and proper addressing and packaging techniques; as well as holiday gifts available at their local Post Office and the Postal Store online at www.usps.com/shop.

4. Invite radio and television to:

• Conduct a live remote broadcast on December 20 - the busiest mailing day of the year.

• Deliver mail with a carrier on December 22 - the busiest delivery day of the year.

• Accompany employees on their routes dressed as one of Santa's helpers, delivering Express Mail® items.

5. Direct reporters and editors to the Shipping & Mailing Holiday Guide at www.usps.com/holiday. Consider making copies of the guide available in Post Office lobbies and stress that this guide was mailed to every address in the country.

In this year's publicity kit, you will find important mailing information that you can share with our customers. The kit emphasizes the quick, easy, convenient services that the Postal Service provides as a one-stop shop meeting all the delivery needs of harried holiday shoppers. It also offers mailing tips, correct addressing, alternative locations to purchase stamps, and a complete list of features available at our 24-hour Post Office at www.usps.com. If you have media or public relations questions, please contact your area Public Affairs and Communications Managers. You can find their contact information on page 6 of this kit.

2004 Holiday Season Outlook

• Average daily cancellations: 100 million (this represents the number of First-Class Mail letters and cards that have their respective postage stamps cancelled at processing plants around the country on an average day during the year).

• Average daily cancellations between Thanksgiving and Christmas: 150 million.

• Peak mailing day: We expect that Monday, December 20, will be the busiest mailing day, with more than 280 million cards and letters being cancelled; Monday, December 13, will be a close second.

• Peak delivery day: We expect that Wednesday, December 22, will be the busiest delivery day; Wednesday, December 15, will be a close second.

• We anticipate this holiday season will mirror the last two holiday seasons, with approximately 20 billion cards, letters, and packages being mailed between Thanksgiving and Christmas day.

• The Postal Service averages approximately 670 million pieces of mail on any given day during the year outside of the holiday season.

Our Web Site

One of the most frequently visited federal web sites, www.usps.com receives more than 21.3 million visits each month. The five most frequented areas on the site (in order of popularity) are:

• Track & Confirm

• ZIP CodeTM Lookup

• Rate Calculator

• Post Office Locator

• Click-N-ShipTM

Additional quick, easy, convenient online services include carrier pickup, NetPost CardStore, NetPost Mailing Online, the Postal Store and the Shipping & Mailing Holiday Guide.

Holiday 2004 Mailing Tips

Addressing Tips

• Print addresses clearly.

• Include all address elements (e.g., apartment numbers, suite numbers, directional information for streets [123 S. Main St.]).

• Include both "to" and "from" information on packages, and only on one side; do not include extra writing; tape parcel with shipping tape or tape that won't come off in transit; and cushion contents appropriately.

• Never guess a ZIP Code - having no ZIP Code is better than a wrong ZIP Code.

• Express Mail® delivery occurs on Christmas day in metropolitan areas and, in some of those areas, the mail carriers wear Santa suits to deliver the packages.

Suggested Mailing Deadlines

• Mailing deadlines for International Mail depend on the destination country (see chart on page 12).

• Parcel Post® items should be mailed no later than the first week of December.

• Priority Mail® service should be used until December 22.

• Express Mail items should be used beginning December 23.

Care Packages for the Troops

Military families and organizations across the country are preparing care packages to mail to service members overseas for the holidays, and Priority Mail is the product of choice. To meet current demand, the Postal Service has created a special "kit" that contains the necessary mailing materials based on the most popular items ordered to send care packages to the troops.

Customers may order this kit by calling 800-610-8734 and requesting CAREKIT04. The kit contains five each of the following:

• Priority Mail Box-4

• Priority Mail Box-7

• Mili-Pacs

Plus one roll of Priority Mail tape and ten customs forms with envelopes.

All care packages require the mailer's complete return address and must be addressed to individual service members, per the Department of Defense. The Mili-Pacs feature detailed addressing information. We encourage customers to follow that process for all mail destined for overseas. The address block on the Mili-Pac includes:

• Service member full name

• Rank or rating

• Military organization or unit

• APO/FPO (Air/Army Post Office or Fleet Post Office) with 9-digit ZIP

A detailed description of contents is required on the customs form. Do not list items such as "food," "medicine," "toiletries," "gifts," or other general terminology. The contents of APO/FPO mail follow International mailing requirements. Flammables, corrosives, toxins and other dangerous goods are not permitted. Some of those items are perfumes, colognes, hairspray, matches, butane, flea and tick collars and sprays, shaving cream, and other aerosols, some cleaning agents, some paints, etc.

Impact of the Internet

• As online purchases soar, both businesses and consumers want prompt, reliable delivery of the merchandise purchased, and the ability to easily return the merchandise if that becomes necessary. The Postal Service is listening to the American people and we are working hard to become both the "shipper of choice" for online purchases and the "carrier of choice" for any subsequent returns.

• We have invested in the future and we are offering a suite of quick, easy, convenient online services:

- Click-N-Ship

- Carrier pickup

- NetPost CardStore

- Electronic Merchandise Returns

- www.postalartgallery.com

- NetPost Mailing Online

• We have invested in our core product (Priority Mail service) and have developed marketing relationships with Internet companies to offer Priority Mail service as the best shipping option.

• We are the only organization that still makes house calls to every and business. Our carriers visit over 140 million addresses across the country at least six days a week.

Packaging Tips

• Select a box that is strong enough to protect the contents. Leave space for cushioning inside the carton.

• Purchase "Ready Post" boxes at the Post Office.

• Do not use boxes that formerly contained alcoholic beverages or hazardous materials such as bleach, cosmetics, aerosols, etc. If these types of boxes are used, all markings and labels related to the former contents mut be totally removed or obliterated so they can not be read.

• Pack contents with shredded or rolled newspaper, bubble wrap, or styrofoam peanuts. Plain air-popped popcorn is also good for cushioning; it's inexpensive and environmentally friendly. Pack tightly to avoid shifting.

• Always use tape that is designed for shipping, such as pressure-sensitive tape, nylon-reinforced craft paper tape, or glass-reinforced pressure-sensitive tape.

• Do not use wrapping paper, string, masking tape, or cellophane tape.

• Put the delivery and return addresses on only one side of the package.

• When packaging powders, care must be taken to ensure they are in padded, sift-proof envelopes.

Recommendations

• Place an index card inside the package that contains the sender's address and the recipient's address along with a list of the contents. This will help us re- pack boxes that were improperly wrapped and came apart during transporting and processing and help ensure that the package is sent either to its destination or back to the sender.

• Use Click-N-Ship to save a trip to the Post Office. With a Click-N-Ship postage-paid label on domestic mail, you can leave your package for your mail carrier or drop it in a blue street mailbox. Packages bearing PC Postage indicia from partner companies such as stamps.com, Endicia, or Pitney Bowes works as well.

• International and APO/FPO mail using Click-N-Ship postage-paid labels can be left for your mail carrier to pick up but cannot be deposited into a blue street mailbox.

• Packages being mailed using postage stamps and weighing 16 oz. and over can be left for your mail carrier to pick up but cannot be deposited into a blue street mailbox.

• Get Express Mail and Priority Mail boxes, envelopes, and tubes for free from your Post Office.

Prior to Mailing

• Stuff glass and fragile hollow items, like vases, with newspaper or packing material to avoid damage due to shock. When mailing framed photographs, take the glass out of the frame and wrap it separately.

• Remove batteries from toys. Wrap and place them next to the toys in the mailing box. It is recommended to use new batteries in the manufacturer's packaging.

Special Tips

• Access the Postal Service's web site (www.usps.com) for postage calculations, the latest addressing information, and unique gifts.

• Just as an ATM (automated teller machines) is a virtual stand-alone bank, the Automated Postal Center (APC) is a virtual stand-alone Post Office. The APC does everything short of face-to-face transactions. APCs dispense the same dollar-bill sized sheet of First-Class Mail stamps currently available through ATMs. And using credit and debit cards, customers can mail packages weighing up to 70 pounds. In addition to having a built-in electronic scale, the APC allows customers to calculate and obtain postage strips in any amount for mailing Express Mail, Priority Mail, First-Class Mail, and Parcel Post items. APCs also provide extensive mailing information along with ZIP Code lookup.

• Avoid waiting in Post Office lines for stamps by ordering your stamps from the Postal Store (www.usps.com/shop), using Stamps by Phone (800-STAMP-24), using Stamps by Mail, or purchasing stamps from Post Office self-service vending machines and ATMs, or from local retail outlets in your neighborhood (e.g., grocery stores, etc.) that are marked with our new decal below:

• Find information about ZIP Codes, postage rates, mailing requirements, Post Office hours, locations, and more at 800-ASK-USPS (800-275-8777), or visit www.usps.com.

Click-N-Ship

• Use Click-N-Ship to save a trip to the Post Office. With a Click-N-Ship postage-paid label on domestic mail, you can leave your package for your mail carrier or drop it in a blue street mailbox. Packages bearing PC Postage indicia from partner companies such as stamps.com, Endicia, or Pitney Bowes works as well.

• Print shipping labels — and pay for postage via credit card — from the convenience of your or office. Click-N-Ship brings the Post Office to your office. Simply log on to www.usps.com and you're ready to print online shipping labels with or without postage.

• Labels can be printed for the following domestic and international expedited services: Priority Mail, Express Mail, Global Express Guaranteed®, and Global Express Mail.

• As an added benefit, you get free Delivery ConfirmationTM service with every Priority Mail label you print, making Priority Mail service an even greater value. Signature ConfirmationTM service is available at the reduced fee of $1.30 and online labels qualify for electronic rate Confirmation Services.

• Online insurance is also available. You can now buy insurance packages for up to $200 online.

• There's no special equipment or supplies needed. All you need is an Internet connection, your or office PC, and a laser or quality inkjet printer. Labels can be printed on 8 1/2" x 11" paper and glued or taped securely to the package. Self-adhesive labels can also be used and can be purchased online at www.usps.com/clicknship.

• International and APO/FPO mail using Click-N-Ship postage-paid labels or packages 16 oz. or over with stamps for postage can be left for your mail carrier to pick up but cannot be deposited into a blue street mailbox.

NetPost Mailing Online

• NetPost Mailing Online is a powerful printing and mailing service that combines the speed of the Internet with the effectiveness of traditional mail. NetPost Mailing Online offers an array of printing and mailing options to customize your order. With a few clicks of the mouse, you can upload your documents and we do the rest.

• NetPost Mailing Online is the perfect online service to use to create your family holiday newsletters.

• With this service, you can schedule your mailing up to 30 days in advance; you can use First-Class Mail, Standard Mail®, and nonprofit mailing options; and you have color printing options available with full color or highlights in red, blue, green, and magenta as well as black and white.

NetPost CardStore

• NetPost CardStore allows you to create high-quality, personalized holiday greeting cards online and mail them the next business day to your specific address lists or back to you so you can further personalize the cards.

• A hybrid service (starting out electronically and becoming hard-copy mail), NetPost CardStore has an extensive library of images and photos that you can select when creating cards. Personal photos and images can be uploaded easily as well.

• You can even schedule cards to be sent up to a year in advance.

New This Year

Customers have the option of adding gift cards from a variety of retailers to their personalized greeting card. Retailers include Bed, Bath and Beyond; Brinkers International (restaurants); Circuit City; and Lowe's. And more retailers are joining ... stay tuned.

Postal Locator

The Postal Service web site (www.usps.com) offers a "locate Post Office" search option that lists Post Offices in close proximity to the address entered. Now there is the added search option of "buy stamps" that lists the nearest retail locations that sell stamps. Once the list appears, click on one of the options and a map appears with directions to that location. The list includes the local Post Offices as well as retail outlets such as grocery stores and ATMs.

Postal Store

From the convenience of your or office, simply log on to www.usps.com/shop and buy stamps and shop for licensed U.S. Postal Service® merchandise at the Postal Store.

At the Postal Store you can search for stamps by rate, subject, or format; stock up on holiday stamps and other stamp collections; and sign up for a stamp subscription such as Fast Stamps Plus and have stamps delivered to you automatically at periodic intervals. You can also eliminate a step when mailing Priority Mail items by purchasing Prepaid Priority Mail Flat-Rate envelopes, which are now available in convenient packs of 5 and 10. Prepaid Priority Mail Flat-Rate envelopes 16 oz. and over cannot be deposited into blue street mailboxes. These envelopes can be picked up by carriers.

A variety of merchandise is available at the Postal Store, from coin bank mailbox replicas, tree ornaments, and books to beautiful stamp artwork. You can find great gift ideas for the holiday season.

Letters to Santa

There is no official national Letters to Santa program; however, many Post Offices around the country make Santa letters available to individuals and groups upon request and others provide Santa letters to volunteer organizations. New York City is recognized as having the largest Letters to Santa program in the country.

The Postal Service is committed to keeping this holiday tradition relevant. In 1912, Postmaster General Frank Hitchcock authorized local postmasters to allow individuals or institutions to use letters addressed to Santa Claus for philanthropic purposes.

We recommend that children who write to Santa include their return address and that they do not mail to Santa cookies, candy canes, or any other item that could damage the letter and/or postal processing equipment.

2004 Holiday Stamps

In October and November of this year, the U.S. Postal Service issued four new stamps for the holiday season:

• The Christmas stamp features artist Lorenzo Monaco's Madonna and Child masterpiece (circa 1413). This 37-cent stamp is available in double-sided convertible booklets.

• The Hanukkah stamp features a photograph of a dreidel and the word "Hanukkah." This 37-cent stamp is available in self-adhesive panes of 20.

• The Kwanzaa stamp features seven robes representing the seven days of Kwanzaa and the seven principles they signify. This 37-cent stamp is available in self-adhesive panes of 20.

• The Holiday Ornaments stamps feature painted glass Santa ornaments — four designs in red, blue, green and purple. These 37-cent stamps are available in self-adhesive panes of 20, double-sided convertible booklets, vending booklets and ATM sheetlets.

2004 Holiday Stamps Inventory

The Holiday Merry Makers and Eid stamps are still available as well.

Area Public Affairs and Communications Contacts

— Field Communications, Public Affairs and Communications, 11-25-04

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: [INSERT YOUR NAME]
[INSERT DATE] [INSERT YOUR PHONE NUMBER]
Internet: www.usps.com

BIGGEST MAILING DAY OF THE YEAR IS MONDAY, DECEMBER 20;
THERE IS STILL TIME TO SEND YOUR HOLIDAY MAIL - HURRY TO SAVE

[CITY] - On Monday, December 20, 2004, the [NAME] Post OfficeTM and Post Offices nationwide will be busier than Santa's workshop. That's because Monday, December 20, will be the biggest and busiest mailing day of the year. In addition, Wednesday, December 22, will be the biggest mail delivery day of the year.

Nationwide, the Postal ServiceTM expects to handle 280 million postmarked cards and letters and millions of packages on Monday. The local [NAME] Post Office expects to handle [NUMBER] postmarked holiday cards and letters and [NUMBER] packages on Monday, December 20, alone. That is 2-3 times the mail volume of a regular day handled by the Post Office.

"We expect a very busy Monday handling all those holiday cards and packages but that's fine because we welcome all the holiday mail our customers give us," says local Postmaster [NAME]. "We appreciate all their business. Our Post Office and Postal Service workers everywhere are working diligently to make sure that mail is delivered on time."

Mailing deadlines are fast approaching to get your holiday packages to arrive by Christmas, using Priority Mail® service. If you are mailing out of state, send mail by Tuesday, December 21. If you are mailing in-state, send mail by Wednesday, December 22. After those dates, you can use Express Mail® service to have your packages delivered by Christmas.

Holiday Mail Tips/Packaging Guidelines

• Call 800-ASK-USPS (800-275-8777) for local Post Office service hours, rates, ZIP CodesTM and general holiday mail information. You can also access the USPS® web site at www.usps.com.

• Print complete name and address and your return name and address on all mail.

• Use box/package that is strong enough to protect the contents with no extraneous marking on the outside. Do not use boxes with alcohol/liquor or chemical markings on the outside.

• Cushion contents with newspaper, bubble wrap, or styrofoam. Pack very tightly.

• Remove batteries from toys. Wrap/place them next to toys in the mailing box.

• Print the delivery and return addresses neatly on one side only of the package.

• Place your return address on a piece of paper or label inside the package.

• Do not use wrapping paper, string, masking tape or cellophane tape outside of box.

• Seal the package securely with nylon-reinforced or glass-reinforced package tape.

• Take packages to the Post Office for mailing.

• Package senders are encouraged to use Delivery ConfirmationTM service and insurance.

• For cards and letters, several 37-cent holiday stamps are available including Santa Ornaments, Madonna & Child, Eid, Hanukkah and Kwanzaa.

# # #

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: [INSERT YOUR NAME]
[INSERT DATE] [INSERT YOUR PHONE NUMBER]
Internet: www.usps.com

POST OFFICE MAKES HOLIDAY PACKAGE SHIPPING QUICK, EASY AND CONVENIENT
WITH CLICK-N-SHIP

[CITY, STATE] [DATE] - Package shippers, especially businesses and customers who ship a lot of packages, may wish to send those holiday parcels using the Postal ServiceTM's Click-N-ShipTM online package service. It's quick, easy and convenient and you can ship from your house with just a click of your mouse. Insurance is available online and Delivery ConfirmationTM service is free when using this service.

Click-N-Ship service is available on the Postal Service web site at www.usps.com/clicknship. Click on the Register Now button to complete a short registration process. Enter the delivery address and weight. Choose the mailing service shipping option and method of payment. You will then be able to print out postage-paid shipping labels. The last step is even easier. Give the packages to your letter carrier, put them in a neighborhood mailbox or take them directly to your Post OfficeTM.

Click-N-Ship service allows you to store up to 500 addresses in your domestic and international shipping database. It provides you with an online label database history. You can also have an e-mail sent to your recipient when you mail a package. We recommend a laser printer or a high-quality ink-jet printer to use Click-N- Ship service.

While customers can use Click-N-Ship service to mail packages any time of the year, below are recommended package mailing dates for delivery by Christmas.

Holiday deadlines for delivery by Christmas: When using Priority Mail® service, mail packages going out-of- state by Tuesday, December 21. Items going to in-state destinations should by sent by Wednesday, December 22. The deadline for most overseas military destinations and international locations is December 11.

After those dates, you can use Express Mail® service to have your packages delivered by Christmas.

# # #

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: [INSERT YOUR NAME]
[INSERT DATE] [INSERT YOUR PHONE NUMBER]
Internet: www.usps.com

[NAME] POST OFFICE TO START HOLIDAY MAIL SEASON WITH "MAIL EARLY"
CUSTOMER EVENT ON [DATE]

[CITY] - The local Post OfficeTM invites the local community to celebrate the start of the holiday mail season with a special "Holiday Mail Early Kick-off Day" celebration on [DATE] at [TIME] at the Post Office at [ADDRESS].

[Describe your own creative local event and activities. Event suggestions include:

• Lobby staff greeting customers while dressed as Santa.

• Santa making a special visit to drop off his holiday packages, cards and letters.

• Santa assisting postmaster in providing holiday mail information and passing out free holiday stamps to customers and candy canes to kids.

• Making a special presentation of the new Holiday Santa Ornaments stamps.

• Postmaster/staff giving a talk about holiday mail information.

• Placing holiday decorations/displays regarding proper holiday mail guidelines and package preparation in the lobby.

• Providing refreshments for customers.

• Offering tours of facility that day.

• Having special visit by local school children so they can drop off their letters to Santa.]

"We invite our community and many loyal customers to drop by and join us for this festive start to the holiday mail season," says Postmaster [NAME]. "We will be providing lots of good holiday mail tips in addition to offering some holiday cheer."

The postmaster said it is the Post Office's busiest but most rewarding time of the year. "We appreciate our customers using the Post Office for all their shipping needs, not just for the holiday season, but all throughout the year. We encourage everyone to mail early. And on behalf of our [NAME] Post Office staff, we wish everyone a very happy holiday season!"

# # #

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: [INSERT YOUR NAME]
[INSERT DATE] [INSERT YOUR PHONE NUMBER]
Internet: www.usps.com

POST OFFICE INVITES MEDIA-ONLY TOUR OF [NAME OF FACILITY/POST OFFICE]
ON [DATE] TO KICK OFF HOLIDAY MAIL SEASON

[CITY] - The [CITY] Post OfficeTM expects a BIG holiday mail season this year. To help get the word out on holiday mail and mailing early, the Post Office is inviting local media to make an early pre-holiday visit to the [NAME OF MAIL PROCESSING SITE/POST OFFICE] at [ADDRESS] on [DATE AND TIME].

Media will be allowed to interview Postal ServiceTM workers and get b-roll footage/photos/sound bites of mail processing operations and equipment, Postal Service workers sorting and moving the mail and other Postal Service operations.

The [NAME OF MAIL PROCESSING FACILITY] is the main mail sorting facility for Post Offices in this area. It has [NUMBER] Postal Service employees who normally process an average of [NUMBER] pieces of mail per day.

"Our Post Office expects to handle over [NUMBER] pieces of holiday mail from the day after Thanksgiving through Christmas," says [NAME OF POSTMASTER/PLANT MANAGER]. "We normally handle [NUMBER] % more postmarked cards and letters and [NUMBER] % more packages compared with any other time of the year."

[NAME] said the Post Office does a lot of extra things this time of the year to ensure that all holiday mail gets delivered on time. [INSERT ACTIVITIES LIKE ADDING ON EXTRA TEMPORARY WORKERS, WORKING LOTS OF EXTRA HOURS, OFFERING EXTENDED CUSTOMER RETAIL HOURS, DOING EXTRA PARCEL DELIVERIES AND COLLECTIONS, ETC.]

"The holiday season is definitely our busiest, but most rewarding, time of the year for the Post Office," [HE/SHE] added. "We encourage the media to join us for this pre-holiday media-only tour of our facility on [DATE]."

"You will get some great coverage of mailing operations, holiday mail tips and information, and most importantly, you will help us get the word out to our many customers to mail early for the holidays. We appreciate your support."

# # #

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: [INSERT YOUR NAME]
[INSERT DATE] [INSERT YOUR PHONE NUMBER]
Internet: www.usps.com

[NAME] POST OFFICE ANNOUNCES HOLIDAY MAIL DEADLINES, GUIDELINES AND
PACKAGE TIPS

The [CITY] Post OfficeTM is ready to deliver your holidays. "We expect a very busy holiday mail season. We welcome all the cards, letters and packages our customers give us," says [NAME OF POSTMASTER] with the local Post Office.

Holiday mail information is provided below. Media can contact [NAME/TELEPHONE NUMBER] at the Post Office for holiday mail stores.

HOLIDAY MAIL DEADLINES AND TIPS

• Deadlines for U.S. delivery by Christmas: Using regular mail and Priority Mail® service, mail holiday cards, letters and packages going out-of-state by Tuesday, December 21. Items to in-state destinations should by sent by Wednesday, December 22. After those dates, you can use Express Mail® service to have your packages delivered by Christmas.

• Holiday mailing deadlines for delivery by Christmas to most overseas military locations and international destinations is Saturday, December 11. After those dates, you can use Express Mail service to have your packages delivered by Christmas.

• Call 800-ASK-USPS (800-275-8777) to get the holiday customer service hours of your local Post Office, rates, and ZIP CodesTM. You can also get holiday mail information at www.usps.com.

• Include the correct printed address on all cards, letters and packages including name, street, apartment number, city, state and ZIP Code. Print return address in the upper left corner. Never guess on the ZIP Code. There is a ZIP Code Lookup on www.usps.com or you can call 800-ASK-USPS.

• For holiday cards and letters, the Post Office offers several colorful 37-cent holiday stamps including Santa Ornaments, Madonna & Child, Eid, Hanukkah and Kwanzaa.

• In addition to your local Post Office, you can order holiday stamps and other stamps by phone at 800-STAMP-24 and from the Postal Service web site at www.usps.com. You can also order stamps by mail. Pick up a Stamps by Mail order form at your Post Office or from your letter carrier.

• When preparing your package for mailing, use a strong, sturdy box with no writing on the outside.

• Package the contents of your parcel tightly and securely, using newspaper, bubble wrap or other cushioning inside. Remove batteries from toys and items. Package cookies, fruitcakes and food items in leak-proof containers or secure protective wrapping. For packages, include the name and address destination on a piece of paper inside.

• Seal your package with strong, reinforced packing tape. Do not use paper or string on the outside of the package. They can get tangled in mail processing equipment.

• For packages, print the complete name and address including ZIP Code in large print on one side of the package only. Make sure you print your return name and address in the upper left corner.

• We encourage package senders to purchase package Delivery ConfirmationTM service and insurance.

• Take your packages directly to the Post Office for mailing. Best time is mid-morning or mid-afternoon.

• Mail early. You save on postage costs, save on convenience, and help get your holiday mail there on time, avoiding possible bad winter storms, which can delay delivery.

• The U.S. Postal Service® expects the biggest and busiest mailing day of the year to be Monday, December 20. The biggest delivery day is expected to be Wednesday, December 22.

# # #

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: [INSERT YOUR NAME]
[INSERT DATE] [INSERT YOUR PHONE NUMBER]
Internet: www.usps.com

POSTAL SERVICE ANNOUNCES INTERNATIONAL AND MILITARY OVERSEAS HOLIDAY
MAIL DATES

The U.S. Postal Service® recently announced its 2004 Holiday Season recommended mailing dates for delivery to military overseas APO/FPO addresses and international destinations by December 25, based on economical air and surface transportation. See dates below.

For mailing within the United States, mail cards, letters and packages to out-of-state locations by Tuesday, December 21. Mail to in-state locations by Wednesday, December 22. Express Mail® service is available to many locations after these dates.

To ensure the timely delivery of holiday greeting cards and packages during the 2004 Holiday Season, the Postal Service recommends mailing by the dates listed below. These recommended mailing dates for delivery to military overseas APO/FPO addresses and international destinations by December 25, are based on air and surface transportation.

International Addressing Tips

• Place the city or town name and the province or state name on the next line after the street address information.

• Put foreign postal codes, if known, in front of the city or town name and on the same line.

• Write the name of the foreign country in capital letters on the last line of the address.

The Post Office that's always open: www.usps.com

With the holiday mailing season underway, the Postal Service recommends that customers go on-line and visit the Post Office that never closes at www.usps.com. Customers can calculate postage, obtain simplified customs forms and select an international mailing service that's right for any mailing need. Visitors to the Postal Service's page can also purchase stamps, track and confirm mailings and even purchase greeting cards online.

New, Easy, Simple Customer's Guide to Mailing

The Shipping & Mailing Holiday Guide provides clear, concise information on virtually everything consumer customers need to know about mailing. The free guide was sent to every address in the country and is available online at www.usps.com. The guide includes illustrations, tips and helpful information about Click-N- ShipTM, NetPost CardStore and choosing extra services such as Insurance or Delivery ConfirmationTM.

60,000 Additional Stamp Locations

Beyond visiting the web or the nation's 38,000 Post Offices, there are now 60,000 more locations to purchase stamps. Customers can obtain postage where they see "Buy Stamps Here" signs among 17,000 ATMs, and more than 40,000 supermarkets, drug stores and banks.

# # #

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: [INSERT YOUR NAME]
[INSERT DATE] [INSERT YOUR PHONE NUMBER]
Internet: www.usps.com

[NAME] POST OFFICE ANNOUNCES EXTRA HOURS FOR HOLIDAY MAILING SEASON

[CITY/DATE] - The [CITY] Post OfficeTM is ready to deliver the holidays for you. "Our Post Office is expecting a very busy holiday mail season that usually starts the day after Thanksgiving," says Postmaster [NAME].

"We encourage [CITY] customers to mail early and to ship all their holiday presents with the Postal ServiceTM," says Postmaster [NAME]. "We have some great package rates, especially for Priority Mail® service, in addition to Delivery ConfirmationTM service, low-rate package insurance coverage, colorful holiday stamps and other neat mailing services."

The Postmaster noted that the Post Office (and its stations, including contract postal stations) will be open during the following extended customer service retail hours in December:

[IF APPLICABLE] In addition, the Post Office will offer special Sunday customer service hours on these December Sunday dates and locations:

When using First-Class Mail® service and Priority Mail service to mail cards and packages domestically, the Postal Service recommends mailing out-of-state items by Tuesday, December 21; and in-state items by Wednesday, December 22. "After those dates, customers can still use Express Mail® service for their packages going to many destinations," says the Postmaster. "But to save money and to help ensure we get all your holiday mail there on time, as always, we recommend mailing early."

The Post Office advises customers mailing to military servicepersons overseas and to international locations to mail those packages as soon as possible, to save on rates and to get them there by Christmas. Most military overseas mail and international mail should be sent by Saturday, December 11, to arrive by Christmas. After those dates, you can use Express Mail® service to have your packages delivered by Christmas.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: [INSERT YOUR NAME]
[INSERT DATE] [INSERT YOUR PHONE NUMBER]
Internet: www.usps.com

POSTAL SERVICE OFFERS ULTIMATE HOLIDAY TIME SAVER

[CITY] - Searching for ideal cards and gifts during the holiday season is exhausting and time consuming. The U.S. Postal Service® has the perfect time-saving solution! Combining the speed and convenience of the Internet with the value and sentimentality of First-Class Mail® service, sending a personalized greeting card with a retail gift card has never been quicker, easier or more convenient.

"With this service, our customers will be able to sit down in front of a computer in the comfort of their own and design their family's personalized holiday greeting cards complete with a family photo. With the added convenience of being able to add gift cards from national retailers - holiday cards and shopping are done with a simple click of the mouse! It's really that easy," said John M. Nolan, Deputy Postmaster General [OR LOCAL SPOKESPERSON/DISTRICT MANAGER]. "The Postal ServiceTM is working for you to provide easy- to-use, high-value services."

Partnering with TouchPoint in 2000 to launch NetPost CardStore, the Postal Service is the first in the industry to offer the personalized gift card/greeting card combination service. The retailers offering gift cards are Bed, Bath & Beyond, based in Union, NJ; Brinker International, based in Dallas, TX (and including Chili's, Macaroni Grill, Maggianos, The Corner Bakery, Rockfish, and other restaurants); Circuit City, based in Richmond, VA; Lowes, based in Lake Norman, NC; and Safeway, based in Pleasanton, CA (and including Vons, Dominick's, Randalls, Genuardis, and other grocery stores). Gift cards for these retailers will be available in denominations of $25, $50, $75, $100 and $200.

Designed to make sending high-quality, personalized greeting cards quicker, easier and more convenient, NetPost CardStore has:

• Thousands of custom images and suggested greetings;

• The ability to use your own personal photographs, artwork and graphics;

• The ability to write personalized greetings for individual or volume mailings;

• The ability to use existing address files;

• Custom-printed cards entered into the mailstream the next business day; and

• The ability to schedule greeting cards to be sent up to a year in advance.

The pricing ranges from $1.35 to $3.00 per card based on quantity, design and postage, and includes custom personalization, printing and mailing services. NetPost CardStore is accessible via the Postal Service's web site at www.usps.com/cardstore.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: [INSERT YOUR NAME]
[INSERT DATE] [INSERT YOUR PHONE NUMBER]
Internet: www.usps.com

[CITY] POST OFFICE TO HAVE POSTAL SANTA CLAUS(ES) DELIVERING EXPRESS
MAIL ON CHRISTMAS EVE/DAY

Media note: Media interested in covering the Post OfficeTM's Santa Claus Express Mail® deliveries on Christmas day should contact [INSERT THE SANTA LETTER CARRIER'S NAME/TELEPHONE NUMBER OR POSTMASTER/SUPERVISOR'S NAME/TELEPHONE NUMBER AT THE POST OFFICE] in advance and as soon as possible, to coordinate meeting time and location.

[CITY/DATE] - When you open your door Christmas morning, don't be surprised if you see a Postal ServiceTM Santa Claus, dressed in full red and white attire - instead of Postal Service blue - making an Express Mail package delivery.

Several Postal Service letter carriers and special delivery messengers from the [NAME] Post Office will deliver Express Mail items on Christmas day dressed as Santa Claus.

"The Post Office is one of the few delivery firms nationwide that delivers Express Mail packages on Christmas Day, and every other day of the year, in major metro areas like ours, says Postmaster [NAME]. "And some of our Postal Service workers decide to dress as St. Nick while making those Christmas deliveries that Santa cannot always get to."

The postmaster said this year [HE/SHE] expects [NUMBER] of the city's Postal Service workers to be dressed in full Santa garb and making Christmas day deliveries. They include: [INSERT NAMES OF CARRIERS WHO WILL BE MAKING DELIVERIES IN FULL SANTA DRESS, IF THE NUMBER IS 15 OR FEWER].

"Our Postal Service workers who dress as Santa really enjoy doing it and especially seeing the smiling faces of kids and families, the elderly and everyone," added the postmaster. "They get invited into their s for pictures, the kids want them to stay around, and they even get invited to Christmas Day dinners. It makes working Christmas Day for these dedicated and great Postal Service workers a much more pleasant experience."

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: [INSERT YOUR NAME]
[INSERT DATE] [INSERT YOUR PHONE NUMBER]
Internet: www.usps.com

POST OFFICE OFFERS HOLIDAY STAMPS IN MANY CONVENIENT WAYS; STAMP
ARTWORK AS NICE GIFTS

[CITY/DATE] - The Postal ServiceTM is offering a colorful variety of 37-cent holiday stamps to add a festive touch to your holiday cards and letters this year. You don't even have to leave your or workplace to purchase these and most U.S. postage stamps. And you can also purchase beautiful stamp framed artwork pieces via the web, which make for wonderful gifts.

As for the holiday stamps, this year the Postal Service is offering the beautiful new Santa Ornaments stamps; the traditional Madonna & Child stamp; and for other holiday celebrations - the Hanukkah, Eid and Kwanzaa stamps.

You can order U.S. postage stamps in several other convenient ways, in addition to purchasing them at your Post OfficeTM. Most require a credit card. Usually the stamps can be delivered to you in just a few days.

You can order stamps 24 hours a day via the Postal Service web at www.usps.com. You can also purchase stamps 24 hours a day by phone at 800-STAMP-24. You can order stamps by mail by completing a "stamps by mail" form, available from your Post Office or from your letter carrier. Many Post Offices allow you to order stamps by fax. Check with your local Post Office.

The Postal Service's new Automated Postal Center (APC) is a virtual stand-alone Post Office in many Post Offices nationwide. The APC is a quick, easy, convenient way to purchase stamps without standing in line at the Post Office.

Also many supermarkets and retail outlets sell stamps as do postal contract stations such as Hallmark stores and drug stores. Look for the "Buy Stamps Here" sign. Many postal contract stations also offer mail services like Priority Mail®, First-Class Mail and other services at their stores.

As a nice holiday gift for that special person or for yourself, you may wish to order an attractive enlarged framed stamp art picture of a popular stamp like the Love stamp or a variety of American Flag stamps. Hundreds of actual beautiful stamp images/art works are available. Go to www.postalart gallery.com. The stamp art web site is hosted by Art Select, a licensed vendor of the Postal Service, which debuted last year.

For more information about ordering stamps, sending holiday mail, finding local Post Office hours, and so forth, call 800-ASK-USPS (800-275-8777) or go to www.usps.com.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: [INSERT YOUR NAME]
[INSERT DATE] [INSERT YOUR PHONE NUMBER]
Internet: www.usps.com

[NAME] POST OFFICE TO OFFER SUNDAY CUSTOMER RETAIL HOURS/COLLECTIONS ON DECEMBER [DATES]

[CITY/DATE] - The [CITY] Post OfficeTM will offer special Sunday customer service retail hours on these December Sunday dates and locations:

In addition, the Post Office will schedule extra collections of cards and letters from the blue collection boxes on main streets and in neighborhoods throughout the city on the Sundays of [DATES]. Be sure to drop off your cards and letters at these collection boxes before [TIME] these dates.

The Post Office reminds everyone that mailing deadlines are fast approaching for delivery by Christmas.

For mailing cards and packages within the U.S. using regular and Priority Mail® service, the Postal Service recommends mailing out-of-state by Tuesday, December 21, and mailing in-state by Wednesday, December 22. Most overseas military mail and international mail should be sent by Saturday, December 11, to arrive by Christmas. After those dates, you can use Express Mail® service to have your packages delivered by Christmas.

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