Thanksgiving day...I find myself upset and frustrated with the Durango Herald and its apparent lack of understanding for those who serve them well – 365 days a year – through all kinds of weather – in the dark of the night – when most of the world, probably including the management at the Herald, are home in bed fast asleep.
I realize that when paper carriers take the job, they are aware of the times and conditions of the job they sign on for.
What I don’t understand is why a paper owned and operated by a family would not be aware of how precious the holidays are for family time?
There are really only two holidays throughout the year when the majority of people plan to gather in their homes with family and friends and celebrate together – Thanksgiving and Christmas. Many times families travel long distances to be together and it’s the only time that they see each other all year.
Now, let me get to the problem. On the night before Thanksgiving, the Durango Herald not only expects its carriers to be out delivering papers all night, especially when the truck bringing the papers from the printing press is late, but they tack the extra burden of delivering to every household, not just subscribers, onto their carriers.
This is done to get the Black Friday deals into the hands of as many shoppers as possible.
This puts an extended burden on the carriers and lengthens their route time substantially.
Couldn’t those papers be delivered on Tuesday night instead of Wednesday? Our loved one did not get home from deliveries until noon, then, without sleep, tried to enjoy a Thanksgiving meal with family.
I think the Herald could do better for the employees who work so hard to keep customers happy and subscribing to the paper. I really hope someone will care enough to find a better solution for holiday deliveries.
One more thought for those who get home delivery of their paper. Please think about the hours, conditions and sacrifices that are made by the person who delivers your paper to you, night after night, in all kinds of different conditions, and let him or her know how much you appreciate it!
Jeanie Widner
Durango
