As we celebrate the 108th anniversary of “Operation Santa,” the initiative continues to evolve, especially in light of the ongoing pandemic. This year, it’s more crucial than ever to bring joy to families facing hardships, particularly those with children who may struggle to provide holiday gifts. The United States Postal Service’s “Operation Santa” program allows individuals to brighten a child’s Christmas, and it’s now fully digital.
Through “Operation Santa,” children and families can write letters directly to Santa at the North Pole. These letters will be processed and made available online starting December 4th at USPSOperationSanta.com. Once the letters are posted, anyone in the U.S. can adopt a letter and help fulfill a child or family’s holiday wishes. Businesses and organizations are also welcome to join in and adopt letters collectively.
Originally designed to support families in need, anyone can write to Santa through this program. “The program has always aimed to provide holiday gifts for those who may struggle to afford anything beyond basic necessities,” says USPS spokesperson Lila Grant. Over the years, the USPS has collected hundreds of thousands of letters, with over 11,000 packages delivered to families in 2019 alone.
The shift to a digital format comes as COVID-19 continues to affect communities nationwide, causing economic challenges and delays in mail delivery. “This year, many families are facing financial and emotional difficulties,” Grant explains. “Celebrating the holidays without loved ones can be especially hard. Providing even a small bit of joy to those in need can make a significant difference.”
USPS launched an online pilot of “Operation Santa” in 2017 in New York City. The program expanded to seven cities in 2018 and 17 cities last year, paving the way for a fully digital experience this year. Starting December 4th, letters can be adopted online through the USPS Operation Santa website, allowing individuals to select letters from anywhere in the country. Plus, the entire gifting process is tax-deductible.
“Operation Santa” has its roots in 1912 when the U.S. Postmaster General authorized local postmasters to respond to the letters of needy children. Since then, the USPS and compassionate contributors have created magical moments for children everywhere.
Families wishing to participate in “Operation Santa” can send their letters to Santa at his official North Pole address:
Santa Claus 123 Elf Road North Pole, 88888
When selecting letters to adopt, the decision is yours. “Choose one that resonates with you and fulfill wishes as you see fit,” the website states. “Letters come from hopeful children and families. Answer one (or many) to make a difference. No matter how big the wish, do what’s doable for you.”
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Summary
This holiday season, the USPS’s “Operation Santa” program invites you to help fulfill letters from children in need. With a shift to a digital format, you can easily adopt a child’s letter and make their holiday wish come true. Since its inception, “Operation Santa” has aimed to provide gifts to families who face financial hardships. By participating, you can bring joy and normalcy to those who need it most during challenging times.
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