SANTA ANA, Calif., Dec. 12, 1999 -- Without thinking much about it, Valerie Blackholly put a blank, unsealed envelope brimming with cash and endorsed checks next to some outgoing mail.

Next thing you know the envelope is in her mailbox.  Gone forever, you say?  

Not at all, even though checks and cash came streaming out as the envelope made its way through the postal system.  In fact, before Blackholly even knew anything was amiss, the lost loot was making its way back to her.

The very next day, the post office called and said a couple of checks had turned up.  By week's end, the entire cache -- all 20 $20 bills and all 17 checks had been found and returned.

Blackholly was in "total shock," the Los Angeles Times reported.  But post officials took it in stride. 

Happens all the time, they said.

Carol Samaniego, manager of consumer affairs and claims for Orange County, just wishes more people would inquire about their lost mail.  She has a bulging file of photos, keys and just about everything else that's popped out of envelopes and packages. 

Nothing ever really gets lost, she said.  Just misplaced. 

Back to the top  | News