US Postal Service Puts Up Letters To Santa For Adoption For A Good Cause

Want to fulfill the wishes of a child this holiday season? The United States Postal Service (USPS) is encouraging kind-hearted souls across the country to join its ‘Operation Santa’ and adopt letters to Mr Claus to spread some extra magic.

The Christmas initiative, which has been running annually for the past 110 years, helps verify the identity of donors and pairs them with letters from children who have written down their heartfelt wishes for this time of cheer. Respondents can then grant those wishes if they are able to do so.

To ensure the safety of the participants involved, all prospective letter adopters are required to register with the agency and have their identities verified before they are allowed to participate in the exchange. 

Once admitted, adopters can browse through the numerous posted letters and choose which wishes to fulfill. According to the organization, businesses and collectives are also invited to join the fun, though senders will be responsible for bearing all postage costs to ship the gifts. 

As per USA Today, last year, the USPS received thousands of letters on its first day, with 2,500 letters adopted within 10 minutes of the site opening. Thus, it’s decided to open the program earlier this year, so children will have more time to submit their letters. 

Visit the USPS’ official site here to learn more about Operation Santa and how to participate. 

[via USA Today and United States Postal Service, cover image via Petr Smagin | Dreamstime.com]