VALENTINE, Texas — In a town named Valentine, Valentine's Day hits a little different.
The Valentine Post Office announced their winning entry of their 2024 Valentine's Day postmark drawing contest. The winner's art will grace envelopes and greeting cards during the Valentine's Day season.
For over 30 years, the unique Valentine's Day postmark has been selected from a drawing contest involving the Valentine Independent School District.
2024's winner is 12th grader Jajahira Rodriguez. Rodriguez's inspiration comes from memories of her father driving a tractor. He passed away in 2022 and her drawing is a tribute to him.
Every year, the Valentine Post Office receives tons of Valentines and greeting cards that need to be stamped.
Postmaster Ismelda Ornelas personally hand-stamps about 10,000 to 12,000 envelopes every year. She says it's a "labor of love."
“It never gets old," Ornelas said. "Every year brings a new experience, whether it be interesting artwork or a message of love on envelopes. It is heartwarming to know I play a small part in connecting valentines all over the country from little Valentine, TX.”
For a mail-in request for the postmark, address a greeting card to your special person, attach a First-Class Mail postage stamp and place in a larger envelope.
Address the envelope to:
- VALENTINE’S DAY POSTMARK
- POSTMASTER
- 311 W CALIFORNIA AVE
- VALENTINE, TX 79854-9998
There is no charge for requests for up to 50 cancellations. Requests for more than 50 cancellations will be charged five cents for each additional cancellation. The cancellation is available until March 14, 2024.