Important Update for Mailed Donations

Starting December 24, 2025, the USPS changed how postmark dates are assigned. Instead of being stamped at your local post office or blue box, machine postmarks are now applied at regional processing centers — sometimes several days after you drop your envelope in the mail.

WHY THIS MATTERS: For tax purposes, your donation counts for the year of the postmark, NOT the day you mailed it.

That means a gift dropped off on December 31, 2025 might not be postmarked until January 2, 2026 if it travels to a regional center first. If that happens, the IRS will treat it as a 2026 gift — even if you mailed it on time.

To make sure your gift counts for 2025:

• Ask for a hand‑stamped postmark at the counter of your local post office.
• Use Certified or Registered Mail if you want documented proof of the mailing date.
• Avoid relying on blue collection boxes for time‑sensitive mail.
• Make your gift online, drop it off at our main campus, or call us to give over the phone (803-328-8871 opt 3

Your generosity makes a real difference for the kids and teens we serve at the Home, and we want to make sure your gift is counted exactly the way you intend!