For families already struggling to cover rent, groceries and fuel, the approaching holidays can bring added financial pressure, putting Christmas gifts out of reach.
The U.S. Postal Service offers a way for others to step in, play Santa, and help make children’s Christmas wishes come true through their Operation Santa initiative.
“The holidays are a time to celebrate the joy of the season. But for some, the simple act of exchanging even small gifts is out of reach,” says Sheila Holman, vice president of marketing for the Postal Service. “For more than 100 years, USPS Operation Santa has given kindhearted people the opportunity to make dreams come true for thousands of children and their families through simple acts of kindness.”
Beginning in 1912, postal employees started answering children’s letters to Santa, and the initiative went nationwide with a digital platform in 2019. And they have the process down to a science.
Every year, thousands of people write letters to Santa. The postal service removes personal details and posts the letters on their website, where individuals or groups can read the letters and choose one— or more—to adopt. From there, these Santa’s helpers have the option of purchasing the gifts from the USPS online catalog—Santa’s Gift Shoppe—and having them shipped directly from there or buying and shipping the gifts themselves. Last names and addresses of recipients are never disclosed to the public.
There are a few guidelines that letter-writers need to follow:
Letters must include the writer’s full name and address (will be removed before posting).
Letters must be addressed to Santa, 123 Elf Road, North Pole, 88888.
Letters must include a first-class stamp.
The last day to send letters is Dec. 6.
Registration for adopting letters opens Nov. 3, and letter adoption begins November 17. The last day to adopt a letter is Dec. 13.
For more information about the Operation Santa program, visit https://www.uspsoperationsanta.com.
Every year, thousands of people write letters to Santa. The postal service removes personal details and posts the letters on their website, where individuals or groups can read the letters and choose one—or more—to adopt.
