To help raise money for the downtown post office building renovation, Downtown Washington Inc. and many of its members are selling “stamps” that people can sign showing their support for the project.

The stamps will be displayed at participating businesses, similar to the shamrocks for MDA.

“It’s a great way to raise funds and showcase the community’s support for the project,” said Bridgette Epple, executive director.

Two stamp designs are available for $1 or $5, Epple said.

In addition to the downtown office, which is now located in the lower level of the post office, stamps can be purchased at the following businesses:

Droege’s Supermarket, John G’s Bier Deck, La Dolce Vita, Marquart’s Landing, Cowan’s, Schroeder Drugs, The Fudge Shoppe, Toni’s Home Decor & Crafts, ManWell’s, Washington Chamber of Commerce, The Missourian, Wiemann & Pues, I.B. Nuts & Fruit Too, Fischer’s, Otis Campbell’s and Hillermann Nursery.

Epple said any other business that would like to participate should contact the downtown office at 636-239-1743.

The renovation project at the old post office is picking up speed now that the lobby has been temporarily relocated to the old dock area, Epple said. The lobby is being restored to look like it did in 1923.

Once the renovations are complete, Downtown Washington Inc. will begin operating the post office as a CPU or contract postal unit. Until then postal service employees are still manning the post office.

The downtown group’s nonprofit arm, the Historic Washington Foundation, owns the building and has secured a loan to finance the renovation project, estimated to cost between $500,000 and $600,000.

The downtown group also plans to sell tax credits through the Neighborhood Assistance Program to offset costs and grants are being sought. A $10,000 grant from the National Trust for Historic Preservation already has been awarded.

A Post Office Bash fundraiser held earlier this summer brought in about $12,000 and proceeds from the Oct. 28 Sunset on the Riverfront event also will be earmarked for the project.

Additional fundraisers are planned, said Epple.

The stamp drive will run through the end of September.

“We know people are excited about the project and we thoughts the stamps would be one way to involve more people,” she said. “All of the proceeds will go to the renovation.”