Closing early Christmas and New Years Eve

Post Offices announce holiday schedule

NAME OF TOWN, IN —Many Greater Indiana District Post Offices will close early Christmas Eve and New Years Eve, but regular mail will be delivered as usual both days. Post Offices will be closed Christmas and New Years Days, with regular mail delivery resuming Friday, Dec. 26 and Jan. 2.

“Many businesses close early Christmas Eve and New Years Eve,” said Al Eakle, a spokesman for the Greater Indiana District of the U.S. Postal Service. “The number of customers visiting our lobbies Dec. 24 and 31 greatly diminishes. We view this as an opportunity to allow our retail employees more time with their families by closing retail operations early both days.”

While retail business will close early, customers, however, may still pick up parcels later in the day. Customers can check retail window and parcel pickup hours at their local Post Office by calling (800) ASK-USPS.

Commercial customers should check with their Bulk Mail Acceptance Unit for Dec. 24 and Dec. 31 hours of operation.

“Only Santa and the Postal Service will cheerfully deliver those last-minute, must-haves packages to family, friends and acquaintances,” said Eakle said. The Postal Service offers the option of Express Mail delivery on Christmas and New Years Day for an additional $12.50.

Express Mail items need to be dropped off or picked up by Tuesday, Dec. 23, for delivery by Christmas Day.

“Express Mail customers also get free insurance for up to $100 against loss or damage,” Eakle said. “We even provide signature proof of delivery plus tracking information.”

Postal Service packaging is environmentally friendly and free. Customers can even mail packages from home by going to www. USPS.com to schedule a free pick up.