Tue, Sep 01, 2020
Jamie Keil
Send Art, Send Love: 2020 Snail Mail Project
Calling all lovers of snail mail. This craft is for you!
Who doesn’t love getting a personal letter in the mailbox? In these pandemic times, it can be especially hard to connect with people and I don't know about you, but I am sure getting a bit Zoom’d out. Which is why I am happy to bring you this month's community craft project! (You can view past community crafts here, here, and here.)
Sending letters is not only a great way to connect with your friends and loved ones, but it will also give you time to disconnect from the virtual world, get creative – oh, and it could also help save the USPS!
Unfortunately, the Coronavirus shut down that started back in March has had a lasting impact on the US Postal Service. It has plummeted postal revenues while increasing costs. Although thousands of people rely on this service, the current administration is not doing enough to help. Across the country, people’s life-saving prescription medicines are being delayed, businesses are suffering, families are waiting on essential supplies, and voting rights are being challenged because of USPS's lack of funding and delays.
One great way to make a difference is to call your Senators and tell them to support stimulus funding for the USPS. Here is the number for California: 844-402-1001. For more information about how to contact your senators and why you should try and save the post office visit: apwu.org/savepostoffice
Another way to help out is to buy stamps and SEND THAT SNAIL MAIL!
Some Fun Tips & Tricks for Sending Mail
- The first thing I always do is a bit of inspirational research. Check out our Pinterest board for some awesome ideas: MAH Snail Mail Pinterest Board
- Always think about who you are sending it to. What is their favorite color, things they like, etc? Add then be sure to add that to your design.
- Collage is a fun way to add some creativity to your snail mail. Use old magazines or scrap paper and give them a new life.
- Play around with the way you write your words. Make some things big, some small, some print, some cursive. But always make sure the envelope text is easily legible: we want to make sure it gets to its home.
- If you don’t feel especially artistic or creative, use fun stickers and decorative washi tape to decorate your letters, envelopes, and packages!
How To Send Mail
USPS has it boiled down to four easy steps.
- Choose Envelope or Postcard (and decorate as your heart desires)
- Address Your Mail
- Calculate and Apply Postage
- Send It!
Get more detail information on each step over on the USPS website: usps.com/ship/letters.htm
You can buy stamps at the post office, FedEx locations, and most grocery stores. We recommend buying directly from the post office when possible or via their website online. Find where the closest post office to you here.
Don't forget to take a picture! We would love to see what you made. Take a picture and either tag @santacruzmah on social media or send an email to jamie@santacruzmah.org
Say Thank You to Local Firefighters
Santa Cruz County and California as a whole has been hit hard recently with devastating fires. If you want to send thank you cards and letter of support to some brave firefighters send them to this address:
CAL FIRE CZU Headquarters
6059 Highway 9
Felton CA 95018
Don’t Forget to Vote.
With Covid-19 risks this election year, it may be the safest thing to vote by mail. To make sure your vote gets counted, people are suggesting to mail your ballot by October 20th.
For more information about deadlines, how to register, triple-check that you are registered, become a poll worker, find your polling place, or request an absentee ballot check out this website: vote.org/state/california/
Inspiration Gallery
