China's postal service sells special stamps to raise funds for earthquake victims

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
BEIJING - Special stamps to help raise funds for earthquake victims have gone on sale in China.

Featuring three interlocking hearts on a red background, the stamp has a value of 17 cents but sells for 32 cents.

China's official Xinhua News Agency says 13 million of the special stamps will be on sale through June 20. All proceeds will be donated to the disaster areas.

The death toll from the May 12 earthquake in Sichuan province is 34,073 and continues to climb. Almost 250,000 have been injured and many more left homeless.

The State Council, China's Cabinet, says donations for disaster relief have reached $1.5 billion.

The Canadian Press, 2008