During the holiday season, it’s important to remember that not every family has the means to provide their children with gifts. Fortunately, the United States Postal Service’s Operation Santa program offers a way for individuals to help make a difference. This year, the program has gone digital, making it easier than ever to participate.
Across the nation, children from diverse backgrounds write letters to Santa, sharing their Christmas wishes for toys, clothing, and other essentials. Unfortunately, many kids from low-income families may not receive their desired gifts or even the necessities they need. However, through Operation Santa, anyone can “adopt” a letter and help fulfill a child’s holiday dreams.
Letters are now accessible for adoption online via the USPS Operation Santa website. You can select letters from children in various cities across the country, and the gift-giving experience is tax-deductible, too.
A Rich History of Giving
Operation Santa has a long history, dating back to 1912 when Postmaster General Frank Hitchcock allowed local postmasters to respond to letters from children in need. Since then, the USPS and generous individuals have created holiday magic for countless kids. “The program aims to provide gifts for families who struggle to meet basic needs,” says USPS spokesperson Linda Green. In 2019 alone, over 11,000 packages were sent to children whose letters were adopted.
How to Participate
To participate, simply create an account with a verified email address on the program’s website. You can choose a letter from an individual child or a family from one of 15 cities across the U.S. While the children’s names remain private, the USPS ensures that your gifts reach the intended recipients.
The shift to a digital format comes in response to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, which has impacted many families financially and emotionally. As Green notes, “This year, there are likely more families feeling the strain. Providing even a small amount of joy to those in need can make a world of difference.”
The Value of Operation Santa
Asking for help is never easy, which is why Operation Santa is such a valuable initiative. It allows families to reach out for assistance in a comfortable and largely anonymous way while enabling generous individuals to contribute.
Families wishing to participate can send their letters to Santa at his “official” North Pole address: Santa Claus, 123 Elf Road, North Pole, 88888.
When choosing a letter to adopt, the site encourages, “Find one that resonates with you and fulfill wishes as you can.” Whether you can fulfill a big dream or a small request, every act of kindness counts.
Learn More
For more on how to support families in need during this season, check out this insightful post on home insemination. You can also learn more about this important topic from leading experts here. If you’re interested in the science behind pregnancy and home insemination, the Genetics and IVF Institute is an excellent resource.
Conclusion
In summary, the USPS Operation Santa program offers a meaningful way to spread holiday cheer to children from underprivileged backgrounds. By adopting a letter, you can bring joy to a child and help them experience the magic of Christmas.