By TRINA “INDI” JOHNSON
Special to the PRESS
With October comes the arrival of the great Winter Texan migration, a seasonal shift that kicks South Padre Island into high gear. For SOS Mail and Package Center, the month carries even more meaning. The family-owned business opened its doors in October 2010, and this year marks its 15th anniversary of serving both Winter Texans and year-round locals with a broad range of services that go far beyond shipping.
Owner, Andrea Wright said convenience and customer service are at the heart of the business. “Our goal is to make life easier for our community. Whether you need to send a package, make copies, or rent a mailbox while you’re here, we’ve got it covered,” she said.
That variety has proven especially appealing to Winter Texans, who make up a steady portion of the customer base during colder months. “Winter Texans love us! We offer a shorter 3 month term on mailboxes than the post office and our rental rates are less expensive,” Wright said. “We have everything they need when they can walk in! In one trip they can check their mail, pick up their Amazon packages, send a parcel out to the grandkids, fax some medical records, and have something printed all during the same visit!”
When asked which service customers rely on most, Wright didn’t hesitate. “Shipping for sure! Whether it’s to drop off a return, send something to a family member or picking up a package that was shipped to them. Afterall, SOS stands for Shipping’s Our Specialty,” Andrea said with a smile. “We are an authorized partner with Fedex, UPS, DHL, and the United States Post Office.”
But shipping is just the start. Large-scale printing has become a major draw, particularly for contractors and business owners. “We print a lot of large-scale architecture drawings of properties and homes,” Wright said. “Instead of contractors racing to Brownsville to have it done, they can email us the file and we have it ready within minutes and just charge their account. We also do a good amount of canvases of people and landscapes, which make great gifts, and a lot of legal documents like wills and contracts.”
SOS also supports local businesses with printing and shipping services. “We provide our local businesses with everything from menus, flyers, real estate signs, brochures, and banners, to shipping everything from boat parts, office equipment, and even frozen fish and shrimp,” Wright said.
For visitors who stay on the island part-time, mailbox rentals provide a reliable way to manage mail without hassle. Faxing and notary services round out the offerings, making SOS a true one-stop destination. Wright added, “Notarizing! People don’t realize we have a notary on staff at all times and we also can travel to you! And unlike the banks we won’t turn you away if you are not already our customer.”
Wright said the island’s unique mix of full-time locals and seasonal visitors shapes the services SOS provides. “We try to tailor what we do to fit both groups. For Winter Texans especially, having an easy place for mail and shipping is a big help. For locals, the convenience of having all these services in one spot saves time and keeps them from driving off the island,” she explained.
The store itself is known for its friendly atmosphere and lively energy. Customers often remark on the staff’s humor and warmth, making each visit enjoyable as well as efficient.
The Gillihan family is deeply connected to the community. “Lonnie, the owner, is president of the Port Isabel Rotary Club, a board member of the Laguna Madre Humane Society, and is actively part of the SPI Chamber. I stay involved in the community by acting in plays with El Paseo Arts Foundation and get to see all my customers in the audience at all of my shows!”
Lonnie Gillihan said, “We want to continue providing our community with the necessary services that they come to expect. We strive to stay up with the latest technology so we can offer the best quality products and services available.”
That balance of service, large-scale printing, notarizing, and community involvement has made SOS a fixture for many. By offering much more than shipping, Wright and her team have turned the store into a reliable hub of daily life on the island. This October, as Winter Texans return and the business celebrates its 15th anniversary, SOS Mail and Package Center stands as both a service hub and a community cornerstone.
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