Did you forget a birthday or another significant event? Is going to a “big box” store an overwhelming hassle?

The U.S. Postal Service has stepped in to fill a need, offering greeting cards at its Lafayette Parkway location.

“We’ve been offering the cards for about a month,” said window clerk Pete Thrailkill. “They’re doing decently well. Most people are just becoming aware of them.”

The cards are an easy option for customers who may bring a package to send off, but forgot a card to send until the display greets them at the door.

A sign near the greeting card display this month reminds customers Mother’s Day is May 9, with an assortment of cards available for Mom, Grandma and other important women, next to cards for all occasions. Cards start at 99 cents with some higher-priced cards.

Thrailkill and customer service supervisor Mike Shelnutt said most customers like to look at the cards when they’re standing in line.

“It’s like a candy display at the store for kids,” Shelnutt said.

The post office always has offered items other than stamps and packing material, but most of it is high-priced mementos for stamp collectors. Greeting cards appeal to - and are needed - by everyone, Shelnutt said.

Jennifer Shrader may be reached at jshrader@lagrangenews.com or at (706) 884-7311, Ext. 236.