Grandmother's package lost for months

PORTSMOUTH, Va. (WAVY) - 10 On Your Side is helping an 84-year-old Portsmouth woman find the lost package she mailed to her granddaughter more than three months ago.

Mae Harmon sent her granddaughter a box full of embroidered pillow cases and crocheted snowflakes using the U.S. Postal Service. She even got a tracking number and insured the package for up to $200. 

When her granddaughter did not receive the package after weeks and weeks, Harmon went to the post office and was given the run around.

"The second time I went, I handed her a receipt with the tracking number on it and she said, 'Well what do you want me to do about it?'" Harmon said.

Harmon said she wanted her insurance money or to know the package would eventually get to her loved ones. However, the package was sent from Portsmouth to Greensboro to Atlanta, where the USPS stores all damaged boxes to send back to the initial senders.

After all of this time, Harmon only received a letter from the USPS saying she needed to file a claim.

"It was insured for $200. I didn't think that was fair at all," Harmon said. "It's nerve-wracking and I haven't slept good since I got this last letter." 

When 10 On Your Side contacted USPS on Ms. Harmon's behalf, the following statement was released:

• Place an extra label with the return and delivery address inside of the package
• Keep any receipts for items purchased and shipped
• If an item is handmade, contact a reputable craft sore or website and ask what they would sell it for
• If an item is irreplaceable and its loss would be devastating, use registered mail