Merch just might save the mail.

Well, probably not on its own.

The Postal Service was selling branded merch like this tee in its online store to help raise funds.

Still, sales of branded merchandise are helping generate money for the cash-strapped U.S. Postal Service. Many Americans are especially keen to support the agency in the run-up to the November election when mail-in voting could put the Postal Service and its delivery capabilities at the center of helping decide the nation’s 46th president.

Everyone buy a USPS shirt or sweatshirt and save @USPS. You already saw my numerous tweets about it so here are the super stylish options (that can be cut into crop tops if necessary which it is). pic.twitter.com/8Kg11YWeG0

— The Worst Med Student (@That1MedStudent) August 15, 2020

As CNN reported, the Postal Service’s online store just held a flash sale that ended Sunday, Aug. 16. It was a success, with demand so strong that certain items like an Express Mail T-shirt, backpack, blue hooded sweatshirt and Earth Day coasters sold out. Other quirkier items were also quite popular, including a crop top.

I hope everyone else who helped sell out the USPS crop top agrees that it...delivers

But really- buy some stamps and figure out how you can get your vote in sooner than later: https://t.co/SZpz1tPtrk pic.twitter.com/HU5iM06S5D

— Giao Dang (@taoofgiao) August 16, 2020

The outpouring of public support through buying of merch and stamps comes as the Postal Service faces an existential threat.

Without help from Congress, the agency could run out of money by 2021. Meanwhile, some critics say the organization has become less competitive, weaker and politicized under the leadership of Postmaster General Louis DeJoy. During DeJoy’s administration, the agency has slowed delivery, removed high-speed letter sorters and warned that mail-in ballots would not be moved as priority mail, but on August 18 he announced he’d be suspending some cost-cutting changes (***See below for update***). Reduced operating hours in some states, overtime reductions for workers, and removal of letter collection boxes has also occurred.

Postal Service supporters, however, were trying to do their part to help the organization amid its troubles by snapping up swag. The unexpected breadth and uniqueness of some of the items caught the attention of commentators in the media and on social media.

My new Marvin Gaye stamps from the @USPS. Beautifully laid out like a 45RPM record sleeve. 🎶 pic.twitter.com/YBDRbjzvD8

— Matthew *Wear A Mask* Mac 🥁 (@MackTheMac) August 17, 2020

In addition to the outside-the-box crop top, there were mini Postal Service costumes for kids and pets, totes made to look like mail bags, celebrity-themed swag like a folio (posters, stamps and more) on Marvin Gaye and a magic kit. That was in addition to more standard items you might expect, including T-shirts, sweatshirts and traditional totes, not to mention Christmas ornaments.

This USPS Christmas ornament depicts Santa as a letter carrier.

As The New York Times notes, it’s going to take more than merch sales to save the Postal Service. The American Postal Workers Union, which represents more than 200,000 postal workers and retirees, would like to expand the range of services post offices offer in an effort to create more cash flow and help support communities. Ideas include providing services like check cashing, selling hunting licenses, providing Wi-Fi and acting as charging stations for electronic cars. Of course, the evidence suggests that merch will continue to have its part to play.

*UPDATE TUESDAY, AUGUST, 18, 2020 4 PM*
Postmaster General Louis DeJoy said on Aug. 18 that he was “suspending” cost-cutting changes to the U.S. Postal Service that had slowed mail service. For more information, head here.