As part of the United States Postal Service continuing efforts to make postal services available to the Las Vegas valley's growing population, a new Automated Postal Center (APC) has been installed at the Albertson's supermarket at 10140 West Flamingo Rd.

"This is the first stand-alone APC — not in a Post Office and not in a Post Office Express — in the nation," said USPS District Manager Johnray Egelhoff.

Two large receptacles are available for the deposit of parcels and other mail.

Like all APCs, about 80 percent of Post Office transactions can be accomplished by customers using credit or debit cards. These include:

• Buying stamps
• Mailing Priority Mail and Express Mail
• ZIP Code lookup
• Delivery Confirmation and Insurance available

The new APC's Jan. 8 grand opening was a huge success, with the first 500 customers receiving gifts.