USPS Prepares for Record Package Volume This Holiday Season

SCARBOROUGH, Maine (WGME) — The U.S. Postal Service announced it anticipates processing a record number of packages this holiday season. During a tour on November 25, 2025, CBS13 observed new package sorting machines and facility upgrades at the Scarborough processing site.

According to the USPS, modernizing its network has become essential due to the increasing volume of packages prompted by online shopping. Communications specialist Steve Doherty explained, “This facility right now is expected to do about 150,000 to 180,000 packages a day. Without the technology, there’s no way you could have moved that kind of volume.”

Doherty also provided send-by dates for customers to ensure their packages arrive by Christmas.

AUBURN, Maine (WGME) — Meanwhile, Good Shepherd Food Bank is stepping up efforts this holiday season as many families struggle with hunger. Heather Paquette, president of the food bank, emphasized the increased need, stating, “Right now, we are in the Thanksgiving rush.”

Paquette indicated that the organization has been able to purchase extra food items, including produce and shelf-stable products, to meet rising demand. However, she noted that after a significant distribution surge during a government shutdown, inventory levels had dropped by 50%.

“We had distributed twice as much as we were planning on distributing for the entire month of November,” Paquette said. The food bank serves 191,000 Mainers, and as they work to replenish their supplies, she expressed special concern for the 20% of children experiencing food insecurity in the state.

“While many children experience joy during the holidays, people who rely on those free school meals no longer have access to that,” Paquette added, calling for donations and community involvement to support those in need.

PORTLAND, Maine (WGME) — As Thanksgiving approaches, volunteers gathered at Preble Street Resource Center for the annual “Pies for Preble” event. Organizer Ellen Clancy reported that bakers are preparing dozens of pies to ensure people experiencing homelessness can enjoy holiday meals.

<p“Everyone gets along great, and we love doing it,” Clancy shared. Around 90 pies were made, including pumpkin, apple, and various pudding pies like chocolate, vanilla, and banana.