There is nothing that beats the smiles on children’s faces as they open presents on Christmas morning. That’s why the United States Post Office is looking for Santa’s helpers to bring holiday joy to children and families in need through an initiative called Operation Santa.
The program began in 1912, reported WUSA9, when postmaster general Frank Hitchcock allowed local post offices to respond to letters written to Santa Claus that were addressed to the North Pole. Over the years, Operation Santa has morphed into a nationwide initiative that connects gift-givers with needy children. While the season kicked off in November, there is still time to participate.
How to participate
Participation is open to anyone in the US who writes a letter to Santa or who wants to be a Santa helper. Letter writers have to send their letters to: Santa, 123 Elf Road, North Pole, 88888 and have to include information about their wishes. There is detailed information for letter writers on the Operation Santa website. All letters must be postmarked by December 9, 2024.
People or organizations that want to adopt a letter have to create an account on the Operation Santa website. Once verified, you can browse available letters to choose a family you want to help. It’s even possible to filter the letters by state, language – English or Spanish –, and by family size. All Christmas gifts must be shipped by December 16.
In 2023, almost 30,000 letters received a response and the need is even greater in 2024, reported USA Today.
A new feature for 2024
This year, picking out gifts and shipping them became much easier. That’s because the post office teamed up with the iconic toy company Toys R Us. Letter adoptees can now browse and purchase toys from a special “Santa’s Gift Shoppe” e-commerce Toys R Us digital site.
“The magic of Operation Santa lies in its ability to capture the spirit of giving to connect people and bring joy,” Sheila Holman, USPS vice president of marketing, told USA TODAY.
No matter how you pick and send your gifts, Operation Santa shows that the spirit of kindness and generosity can bring the joy of Christmas to children. And that is absolutely magical.
