JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- Even the government can't stop Christmas.
As hundreds of your good-hearted Jacksonville neighbors tried to spread holiday cheer, a local postman tried to play Grinch.
The Salvation Army, Ashley Furniture Homestore, and car loads of volunteers stepped in to help families desperately in need of holiday cheer. They didn't have a sleigh, just presents and furniture filled a truck-full.
With tears in her eyes, one grandmother couldn't be more thankful.
"You guys were flooded?" asked a volunteer.
"Yes," said the grandmother. "we lost a lot of belongings, things you can't replace. I can't ask for nothing more. Thank you!"
Tropical Storm Debby washed away the VillaLobos family home. The family lost almost everything they owned.
"Thank you, thank you!" said one family member.
This real holiday story apparently needed a Grinch.
A Jacksonville postman stepped in, in a pinch.
"Blocking mailboxes is against the law, too," he griped.
It's hard to imagine what could ruin such a joyous day.
But apparently this postman thought the delivery truck was in the way.
"Do you understand english? he hollered. "You are not supposed to block mailboxes."
The postman continued.
"You can take a picture all day. It is against the law, it is a federal offense."
"We would like to help you," said one volunteer.
"You are not helping me by blocking the boxes, I already told you, you don't block nobody boxes at all," said the mail carrier.
The volunteers pushed on to deliver their cheer.
All, to make sure the Villalobos family had a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Action News spoke to a representative from the Post Office and offered to show the entire videotape. The USPS agreed to come to Action News on Friday morning to view the tape.
However, early this morning the News Director received an e-mail which said, "We will not be over this morning to review the tape."
The USPS offered a statement.:
The Postal Service regrets the behavior of any employee who fails to act in a professional manner while performing their job. We apologize for this incident which will be fully investigated to determine any appropriate disciplinary action.
Action News had more questions to get answered, such as, how could the Postal Service promise a full investigation without reviewing the tape? And, why a taxpayer supported organization wouldn't answer questions from taxpayers?
Good news. The Post Office responded in a second e-mail.
"For the record, we are a self-supported government enterprise and not taxpayer supported," wrote Stephen Seewoester, with Corporate Communications for the USPS.
Not taxpayer supported?
Guess we'll need to find out who is funding the $25 million daily shortfall the Post Office has, and by the way, these numbers are from the Post Office.
For the record, Action News is proud to partner with the Salvation Army, Ashley Furniture Homestore and the hundreds of volunteers to help thousands of local families.
