Rockford Sun

The United States Postal Service (USPS) is once again spreading holiday cheer through its annual program, USPS Operation Santa. For over 100 years, this heartwarming initiative has received thousands of letters to Santa Claus from children all across the country.

In a process that involves careful review and scanning, the letters are posted on the USPS website, with personal information removed. These heartfelt requests capture the wishes and dreams of children in need, providing a glimpse into their lives and aspirations during the holiday season.

Generous individuals from all corners of the United States participate in this program by adopting these letters and sending gifts to the children. The North Pole generously provides the shipping for these packages, ensuring that the presents reach their recipients in time for Christmas.

Last year, the program received overwhelming support, with over 25,000 letters adopted and more than 18,000 packages sent to children in need. The residents of Illinois, in particular, demonstrated their generosity by recording the third-highest number of adoptions with 1,346. Only California and Texas had more adoptions.

By participating in USPS Operation Santa, these kind-hearted Americans brought smiles to the faces of children and helped make their Christmas wishes come true. The impact of their generosity extended far beyond mere gifts, as they brought joy and hope to those who needed it most.

What sets this program apart is its accessibility. Aspiring Santas from anywhere in the United States can now browse the letters online, selecting the one they wish to respond to with a note or a gift. Once they have prepared their response, they can bring it to their local post office for delivery. To add a touch of enchantment, packages and letters can also receive a special North Pole postmark.

The origins 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 time, the program evolved and expanded, with charitable organizations and corporations joining in to provide written responses and small gifts. In 2020, the program went fully digital and nationwide, making it easier for individuals to participate and spread holiday cheer.

To ensure that the program runs smoothly, letters addressed to Santa must be sent to his official USPS address: SANTA CLAUS, 123 ELF ROAD, NORTH POLE, 88888. It is important to include last names and correct return addresses as letters without this information cannot be uploaded to the USPS website. Additionally, packages can be shipped from any of the 19,000-plus post offices located throughout the country.

Looking toward the future, the goal of Operation Santa remains the same - to help more children and families in need have a happy holiday season. The program dates for Operation Santa 2023 have already been announced, with letters needing to be postmarked by December 11. The website for letter adoption opened on November 20, ensuring that Santas have ample time to browse and select the letters they wish to respond to.

USPS Operation Santa is a remarkable showcase of compassion and the true spirit of the holiday season. As individuals across the nation come together to bring joy to children in need, this program serves as a reminder of the power of kindness and generosity. With each letter adopted and each gift sent, USPS Operation Santa ensures that the magic of Christmas reaches those who need it most.

For additional details, please follow this link: https://joesosnowski.org/2023/11/24/usps-delivers-letters-to-santa/