How to Take Part in Operation Santa
This year, USPS Operation Santa is virtual and nationwide for the first time . This means more children can write for clothes, shoes and toys, and more adoptive parents can fulfill those Christmas wishes.
The US Postal Service’s “Santa” operation is over 100 years old, but until now it has been a local program. In recent years, it has expanded to allow would-be Santa Clauses in some cities to view letters on the Internet, but for most of its history, Santa visited their post office in person, flipped through the letters, and picked one (or more) to adopt. They would then buy, pack, sign Santa’s name and send it to the letter’s author.
This year, all letters received by December 15th will be uploaded to the Operation Santa website and available for adoption, although the USPS encourages families to send letters as soon as possible to get the best chance of adopting yours.
Starting December 4th, customers can start viewing this year’s emails. In the meantime, to get into the spirit of the holiday, you can read a collection of letters from past years.
If your child wants to write a letter, follow these USPS guidelines :
1. Santa’s mailing address should be placed in the middle of the envelope. Letters can be addressed simply to SANTA CLAUS, but we prefer his official postal address:
SANTA CLAUS123 Elf, North Pole 88888
2. Write your full name and address in the upper left corner.
3. Then apply the first class stamp in the upper right corner.
They also emphasize that letters asking for clothes or shoes must include specific sizes and colors. Any requests for toys, games or books should also be as specific as possible.
Donors will be verified by short registration and identification, and the full name and address of the author of the letter will be protected. It is advisable to pack gifts; if you include a note, be sure to sign Santa’s name (not yours). Leave the parcel at any post office; you will not be able to track it for privacy reasons, but you will receive a confirmation email when the gifts are delivered.