All these years, I didn’t know that the U.S. Postal Service has had a Santa program since 1912, which has for decades been receiving sweet and touching letters from children around the country. Today, it’s called Operation Santa.
In 2020, letters to Santa from children of all ages are addressing the pandemic head on. They ask for masks and they urgently request Santa to make Covid-19 go away. And they share with Santa that their parents can’t afford presents this year because they lost their jobs. A boy “wants a magical button he could press to transport him away from the weary reality of the pandemic.” And a five-year-old said, “I wish covid was over so we can hug.”
When letters are addressed to Santa (Santa Claus, 123 Elf Road, North Pole 88888) with a postage stamp, the Postal Service makes sure they are received and read.
To help children’s wishes come true, the Postal Service’s Operation Santa program welcomes individuals and organizations to adopt letters and send responses and thoughtful gifts in Santa’s place.” www.USPSOperationSanta.com
I just checked the website to adopt a letter (no last names or addresses are disclosed). The update said that all letters have been adopted, but that more continue to arrive. I will check it again.
I miss giving hugs, too.
This is your country, and it’s up to you to save it.” – English translation of a saying in Taiwan
Washing Hands + Wearing a Mask + Social Distancing = Saving Lives