The Postal Service has kicked off its annual program to help fulfill the holiday wishes of children and families in need.
Through Operation Santa, volunteers visit select USPS facilities to respond to letters addressed to Santa Claus. Individuals and groups can also “adopt” a letter and grant the child’s holiday wishes.
“This is the season to show benevolence and goodwill, and we always look forward to participating,” said Northern Ohio District Consumer and Industry Affairs Manager La Vanda Fondren.
In New York City, the James A. Farley Post Office — traditionally the busiest Operation Santa site — hosted a ceremony Dec. 10 to kick off this year’s program, which is marking its 104th anniversary.
Operation Santa also got underway in Santa Ana District, where customer Paula Chambers of Whittier, CA, expressed her appreciation for the program.
“I usually [support other charities] but I wanted to … know more about the people I’m donating to, so I love that the Post Office allows us to read the Santa letters and pick my person,” Chambers said.
More information — including privacy guidelines and a list of participating facilities — is available on the USPS holiday newsroom.