Philanthropy Stamp Should Be Reissued

To the Editor:

The United States Postal Service distinguished itself recently when it issued the philanthropy stamp. Although the Postal Service has been supportive of scores of worthy causes since 1931 when they issued the 2-cent Red Cross stamp, there is no doubt that the “Giving & Sharing” issue proved its merits way beyond what most of us expected.

Not only did non-profits buy them; so did households and foundations and corporations. A postal sales clerk said: “It was like a new Christmas toy — everyone wanted it.” Another remarked: “It was a very popular stamp. We couldn’t keep enough on hand.”

Of course, the first-class rate went up three months after the stamp was issued, but interestingly enough, there were still requests for it throughout the country.

I noticed the U.S. Postal Service recently announced that it was reissuing three of 1998’s 32-cent stamps — Hanukkah, Kwanza, and Cinco de Mayo — at 33 cents. Here at Independent Sector, we believe that the entire philanthropic world has a tremendous responsibility to persuade our friends in the Postal Service to redo the philanthropy stamp at 33 cents.

The great majority of non-profit causes deserve continuing accolades for their work. But only a very small number will ever be able to qualify for a postage stamp calling attention to their mission. However, the generic philanthropy stamp helps all causes, big and small, glamorous or not so glamorous, local community or national in scope.

Independent Sector urges the entire philanthropic world to make known its appreciation to the Postal Service for its continuing support of social issues. Perhaps that flow of gratitude will result in the Postmaster General and his colleagues’ appreciating the very important role they can play in America’s future. After all, the freedom to do good is basic to our culture.

Sara E. Melendez
President
Independent Sector
Washington