Mail Glitch Disrupts Donations to Union Gospel Mission

CHATTANOOGA (WDEF) –A recent post office glitch briefly cost the Union Gospel Mission thousands of dollars in donations during one of its most critical fundraising periods.

According to officials, nearly 90 P.O. boxes at a downtown Chattanooga facility were shut down due to a system error. One of those boxes belonged to the Mission, which relies heavily on mailed contributions to support its programs.

The timing of the issue made the impact even more severe. Early March is typically one of the nonprofit’s biggest weeks for donations. This year, however, the Mission received only $200 in mailed contributions—compared to about $5,000 during a typical week.

Executive Director John Rector said the financial loss has already been felt.

“Every dollar is important to what we do. Fortunately, we’ve been able to move things around and keep everything paid, but what’s the long-term effect? We don’t know that yet, but it’s been a significant loss for this month,” Rector said.

Despite the setback, the Mission has now regained access to its P.O. box. The United States Postal Service confirmed the glitch has been fixed.

Leaders at the Mission are now encouraging donors to continue giving as usual, as contributions remain critical to providing meals, shelter, and support for those in need across the community.