Tag Archives: letters

Day 275: Brian from McClellan’s Retreat

Last night was the celebration of the twelfth anniversary of the founding of Street Sense, a nonprofit that I support. Street Sense is one of the most innovative organizations in helping men and women experiencing homelessness get training and find employment in the area of media and the arts.

The evening was spectacular, but it would not have been possible without the support of several organizations. I went to establishments that I regularly frequent and asked them if they would support this event. It was touching how generous the organizations were. Brian is the manager at one of DC’s best cocktail bars which happens to be just a stone’s throw away from my door step. McClellan’s Retreat donated a really cool package for four people to learn how to make three quintessential cocktails – and they get to drink them too!

Thanks to Brian and the entire team at McClellan’s Retreat!

Day 275

Brian,

I wanted to send you a proper thank-you for your generous contribution to the Street Sense gala – it was an inspiring evening! It’s incredible how those experiencing homelessness can regain their lives, get back into housing, contribute to society, etc. when given the proper support and encouragement.

This is our biggest fundraiser and I appreciate you and McClellan’s Retreat helping to make it a success!

Reed

Day 272: Trea Turner, Washington Nationals

trea

Turner heads for the dugout after hitting his first big league home run.

Trea Turner is a 22-year-old professional baseball player. He’s one of the fastest players in the game. When he played at NC State, he stole 57 bases which was more than the team total of 158 Division I teams. Tonight he proved not only is he fast and a good defensive player, but he can also hit the ball out of the park.

You’ve got to check this guy out. It’s not just that he’s talented, there is something about him that seems to embody the love of the game. It was a lot of fun to watch him hit that home run tonight.

Day 272

Dear Trea,

First and foremost, congratulations on making your big-league debut back in August and for hitting your first home run tonight. As I live in DC, I was watching the game on MASN – what a great shot. Seeing how happy you were made my day!

When you get on base, the game gets exciting – it reminds me a bit of one of my childhood heroes, Mookie Wilson. He was a great base stealer – but I’m pretty sure you’re faster.

I’ve written to Clint, Jayson, Yunel – heck I even wrote to Teddy about the Presidents Race. So far, none have responded. Maybe you’ll be the first! I believe in you.

Best of luck to you – the future looks bright,
Reed

P.S. Who was the first person you called after you hit the home run?

Day 269: Postmaster Roane

Photo: NBC News

Photo: NBC News

So last week I wrote the U.S. Postmaster General (again), today I’m writing the Postmaster of Washington, DC to let him know how great my letter carrier is. Leo has been delivering my mail for years – he’s terrific and one of the friendliest people you’ll meet.

Day 269

Postmaster Roane,

I am writing to you today about my letter carrier. Leo Thomas has been delivering my mail for many years and not only does he carefully make sure that I receive all of my mail and no one else’s, but his warm personality and welcoming smile regularly greet me when I see him in my neighborhood. My day is better when I see Leo – he adds value to the community in a way that is difficult to measure. Anyway, I know you started as a letter carrier down in Richmond and I thought you’d appreciate knowing about one of your exceptional employees.

Warm regards,
Reed Sandridge

Day 262: Postmaster General Megan Brennan

This is my third letter to U.S. Postmaster General Megan Brennan. I also wrote to her on Day 51 and Day 135. For an organization whose passion is mail – I can’t say that I’m impressed with their ability to respond to mail sent to them. I never received any responses from my two previous letters and I probably wont receive one to this one either – and frankly I don’t care. I’d just be happy if she or someone on her team responds to Gary Minter.

Gary is the man who I wrote to on Day 260. I was touched by his open letter to the USPS that was published in Street Sense about the challenges he faces due to his housing status. It’s my hope that Gary gets a thoughtful responses from someone at the Post Office.

Day 262

Postmaster General Brennan,

Enclosed you will find an open letter that was published in Street Sense from a friend of mine experiencing homelessness. I don’t think Gary was able to send this letter directly to you but I trust that you will share it with the appropriate person on your staff who can reply. I can attest that these and similar challenges are things that those experiencing homelessness deal with every day.

Thank you for your attention to this matter,
Reed Sandridge

Day 250: Michael Raymer

Screen Shot 2015-09-11 at 12.19.30 AM

photo: inquisitr.com

Last week I heard about a touching story of a mail carrier in Glendale, AZ who left his customers handwritten notes (one of them is shown here) informing them that he was retiring at the end of the month and telling them how much he enjoyed getting to know them over the years.

You can check out the story for yourself here.

Day250-2

Michael,

Today is Labor Day and I thought it would be fitting to drop you a note – you’ve certainly worked hard throughout your career and deserve a day off. Thank you for both your military and civil service to our country.

I created a custom card for Michael

I created a custom card for Michael

I read about your handwritten note to your mail customers – that was very thoughtful. I particularly appreciated it because not only did I grow up next door to a postal carrier, but I also am a big fan of handwritten correspondence.

Do you have any special stories you would be willing to share about your work as a mail carrier. I imagine over the past 20 yrs you must have had some good ones!

Best of luck in your retirement!
Reed Sandridge