Helping a fellow American in need is now as easy as a visit to the local post office. The Massapequa Park Post Office recently joined a nationwide campaign to provide assistance to the families of the emergency services personnel killed or permanently disabled in the line of duty in the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.

By purchasing the Heroes of 2001 semipostal stamp, all net proceeds above postage and the postal service's reasonable costs will be designated for the specific purpose of aiding those families affected by the recent tragedy.

"The postal service has a proud tradition of issuing stamps to help raise awareness of social issues," said Massapequa Park Postmaster Rae Culotta. "This stamp continues our active role in helping members of affected communities. We encourage everyone to purchase and use the stamp on your cards and letters."

On June 7, the stamp's first day of issue, the employees of the Massapequa Park Post Office will hold a reception in front of the office at 4910 Merrick Rd., the Southgate Shopping Center, for the community to view and purchase the stamp and specially created stamp cachets to commemorate the occasion. Refreshments will be served.

The Heroes of 2001 semipostal stamp is the second stamp in US history to have its net proceeds earmarked for a specific cause, with the first being the Breast Cancer Research semipostal stamp. To date, more than $25 million has been raised for breast cancer research.

The 45 cent, self-adhesive Heroes of 2001 semipostal stamp is valid for postage at the current first-class mail, first-ounce letter rate in effect at the time of purchase, with the differential going to the Federal Emergency Management Agency to provide assistance to the families of Sept. 11 victims. The 11-cent differential consists of a tax-deductible contribution.

Both the Heroes of 2001 Stamp and Breast Cancer Research stamp are available across the country June 7 by toll-free telephone orders at 800-STAMP-24, and by online orders at the postal store at www.usps.com.