Tuesday, September 3, 2024
Annual charity drive begins Sept. 1
USPS has a goal of $3 million for this year’s Combined Federal Campaign
The Combined Federal Campaign, the government’s annual workplace charity drive, kicks off Sunday, Sept. 1.
The Postal Service’s goal is to raise $3 million in pledges.
A postcard announcing this year’s kickoff event on Wednesday, Sept. 18, will be mailed to all USPS employees.
Also known as the CFC, the campaign will highlight several cause areas that can help focus giving, such as animal welfare; health and mental wellness; housing and shelter; veterans; and environmental protection.
Postmaster General Louis DeJoy will again join with union leaders for a video message stressing the importance of the CFC.
Pledges can be made online, on paper or through the CFC mobile app. Volunteer hours can also be pledged and will count toward the USPS total.
The campaign, which is reprising last year’s “Give Happy” theme, will conclude Wednesday, Jan. 15.
Employees with questions can email the Postal Service’s CFC team.
Heroes
A thank-you for his service
Grateful veteran says carrier saved him after a fall
Letter Carrier Max Valdivia was delivering mail recently in Rancho Cucamonga, CA, when he spotted a customer face down in his driveway.
The man was unconscious, but breathing.
He woke up after Valdivia safely lifted and carried him to the home’s garage.
The Postal Service employee offered to call 911, but the man declined further help, explaining that he had become unsteady and had fallen.
The customer, who is a disabled veteran, later sent a note to local Postmaster Armando Carrillo.
“I want USPS to give Max some type of recognition for saving my life and for being a hero by going beyond the duties of delivering the mail,” the customer wrote.
Employees featured in “Heroes” receive letters of commendation through the Postmaster General Heroes’ Program. The nomination form is available on Blue.
If disaster strikes, will you be ready?
Here are tips to plan and prepare for emergencies
To help mark National Preparedness Month in September, the Postal Service is encouraging employees to take time to prepare for the known and unknown.
“Disasters do not wait until you are ready, so take time to plan and prepare today. You and your loved ones are worth the investment,” said USPS Director of National Preparedness Rae Ann Haight, who oversees the organization’s national preparedness team.
Here are some tips for planning and preparing for a disaster:
• Know the threats in your area. Are hurricanes or wildfires a possibility? Are you in a place that could get hit by a tornado or that is prone to floods?
• Be in the know. Sign up to receive local emergency alerts and warnings by email and text.
• Have supplies. Create an emergency supply kit for you and your family. The kit should include water, nonperishable food, medicines and other necessities.
• Have a family communication plan. Make sure your family knows who to contact.
• Have an evacuation plan. Conduct an evacuation drill with your family.
• Have a plan for sheltering in place. Practice staying put with your family.
The Personal Preparedness Blue page has more information.
EAP’s vital mission
National Suicide Prevention and Awareness Month begins Sept. 1
September is National Suicide Prevention and Awareness Month, and the USPS Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is using the occasion to remind employees of its many resources.
During the monthlong campaign, EAP aims to raise awareness of the signs and symptoms of mental health issues and suicide risk. The hope is that reducing the stigma that often surrounds these matters will make it easier for people to receive the help they need.
The campaign also seeks to foster an environment where talking about mental health issues and suicide risk is normalized. This information may help those who are struggling to feel less isolated and more likely to reach out for support.
The campaign also includes strategies for assisting others who may be struggling.
Campaign materials will be available for download on the Monthly Focus page of the EAP website throughout the month. The materials are available year-round under the “Suicide Prevention” tab of EAP4YOU.com.
Help is available 24/7 year-round at EAP4YOU.com and at 800-327-4968 (800-EAP-4YOU); the TTY number is 877-492-7341.
Week in Review
Here’s what Link covered Aug. 25-31
Letter writing, HERO’s retirement and a postal family made news
Last week, Link told you about letter writing groups that encourage people to preserve the classic form of communication.
“Handwritten letters slow us down and promote a peaceful mind. It’s definitely analog, but writing letters is therapeutic for me personally and it can help relieve anxiety,” said Sonnia Jean Kemmer, founder of Letter Writers Society, one such group.
Link also reported on the retirement of HERO, the Postal Service’s online learning platform; an upcoming USPS virtual conference to discuss the organization’s plans to improve mail processing and transportation; and a new video message on the Postal Pulse employee survey from Doug Tulino, the deputy postmaster general and chief human resources officer.
Other stories looked at the history of Labor Day, tagging requirements for Ballot Mail and Political Mail, and exemptions from the Freedom of Information Act disclosures.
Additionally, we introduced you to Max Valdivia, a Rancho Cucamonga, CA, letter carrier who aided a military veteran who fell in his driveway, and the Pena family, which has three generations of mail carriers in Chula Vista, CA.
“I’m proud to work with my family and see them every day,” said David J. Pena, one of the carriers. “It’s fun to work with them.”
September 10, 2024
Datebook
PSHB virtual seminar
USPS employees may participate in an upcoming virtual seminar on the new Postal Service Health Benefits (PSHB) Program.
The session will be held Tuesday, Sept. 10, from noon to 1 p.m. Eastern.
PSHB — which takes effect in 2025 — is a new, separate program within the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program and will be administered by the U.S. Office of Personnel Management.
USPS employees, annuitants, and eligible family members are required to enroll in this new program.
The MyHR website’s PSHB page has more information, including the Zoom links and passcodes to participate. To find the page, enter “Postal Service Health Benefits” in the MyHR search bar.
Participation is voluntary. Nonexempt employees must be off the clock or on authorized breaks.
Employees can also receive updates by texting “PSHBP” to 39369.
View past printouts
Printout details
What's included
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Annual charity drive begins Sept. 1
USPS has a goal of $3 million for this year’s Combined Federal Campaign
-
Heroes
A thank-you for his service
Grateful veteran says carrier saved him after a fall
-
If disaster strikes, will you be ready?
Here are tips to plan and prepare for emergencies
-
EAP’s vital mission
National Suicide Prevention and Awareness Month begins Sept. 1
-
Week in Review
Here’s what Link covered Aug. 25-31
Letter writing, HERO’s retirement and a postal family made news
-
September10Datebook
PSHB virtual seminar