Dupage Policy Journal

The United States Postal Service (USPS) is once again gearing up for its heartwarming holiday program, USPS Operation Santa, which has been bringing joy to children for over a century. Every year, USPS receives thousands of letters to Santa from children all across the country. These letters are carefully reviewed, scanned, and then posted on the USPS website, with personal information removed. Generous individuals from all over the United States can then adopt these letters and send gifts to the children, with shipping provided by the North Pole.

In 2022, the program saw tremendous success, with over 25,000 letters being adopted and more than 18,000 packages sent to children in need. The residents of Illinois displayed their generosity by recording the third-highest number of adoptions, with 1,346 letters being fulfilled. Only California and Texas surpassed Illinois in their contributions. These acts of kindness brought smiles to the faces of countless children and helped make their Christmas wishes come true.

Thanks to the power of technology, aspiring Santas from any part of the country can now browse the letters to Santa online. They can select a letter that resonates with them and choose to respond with a heartfelt note or a thoughtful gift. Once they have prepared their response, they can bring it to their local post office for delivery. These packages and letters can even receive a special North Pole postmark, adding an extra touch of magic to the recipients' holiday experience.

The roots of USPS Operation Santa can be traced back to 1912 when Postmaster Frank Hitchcock authorized local postmasters to allow employees and citizens to respond to letters addressed to Santa Claus. Over the years, the program, known as Operation Santa, gained popularity, and in the 1940s, the USPS invited charitable organizations and corporations to participate by providing written responses and small gifts. In 2020, the program embraced digital transformation and went nationwide, allowing individuals from all corners of the country to participate online.

To ensure the smooth operation of the program, there are a few guidelines that must be followed. Letters addressed to Santa must be sent to the official USPS address: SANTA CLAUS, 123 ELF ROAD, NORTH POLE, 88888. It is crucial for these letters to include the child's last name and a correct return address to be uploaded onto the website. As for the packages, they can be shipped from any of the 19,000-plus post offices located throughout the United States.

Looking ahead, the goal of Operation Santa remains the same: to bring holiday joy to as many children and families in need as possible. The program dates for Operation Santa 2023 have already been announced. Letters to Santa must be postmarked by December 11, and the website for adoption will open on November 20. This provides ample time for generous individuals to browse through the letters, select the ones they wish to fulfill, and make a positive impact on a child's holiday season.

As the holiday season approaches, USPS Operation Santa continues to be a shining example of the kindness and compassion that exists within communities across the country. Through the simple act of adopting a letter and sending a gift, individuals have the power to make a significant difference in the lives of children who may not have much to celebrate during this time of year. By coming together and spreading holiday cheer, we can ensure that every child experiences the magic and joy of Christmas.

To learn more, click on this link: https://repgrant.com/2023/11/17/usps-letters-to-santa/