Christmas is rapidly approaching, and, it turns out, Santa and his elves could use a hand getting gifts to all the good little children.
Kids can write letters to Santa until Dec. 9 through the U.S. Postal Service’s Operation Santa program. The postal service then displays the letters and pairs the kids and their families with people who can purchase items on their list and ship them in Santa’s name.
Here’s how it works and how you can help.
How to write to Santa
Send the letter in a stamped envelope addressed to Santa’s workshop at 123 Elf Road, North Pole, 88888. Make sure that your full name and return address, along with an apartment number, is legible on the upper left corner of the envelope.
Dozens of Indiana families have sent letters to Santa so far, many of whom are experiencing difficult circumstances.
Rosella, 5, for instance, has a long list, but will be happy with anything Santa brings.
“I am 5 ½ and I am in kindergarten. I live with my Daddy. My mommy has to live with her mom cause my Mommy has Stage 4 cancer and is toward the end cause it’s all throughout her body now. I am a happy little girl and I love to spend my time playing and learning new stuff and I love to sing. Here are some things I would like, but I am happy with anything!”
An 8-year-old named Said asked Santa for an art kit, a swing, a Lego set and clothes.
“I have been good this year and learned a lot of things. My mom has been in heaven for two years now, and I miss her, but I have a friend who moved now and got to see him on my birthday. I also like to go to my grandparents’ house. I am 8 years old, but Grandpa says I’m big, size M or L, like a 12 year old!”
Eden, 4, is asking for a Barbie playset and is trying really hard to be nice.
“I have tried very hard not to roll my eyes when my brother talks to me, and I’ve even been working on not mocking him, too! Since you know my brother, I think you know how hard it may be to refrain from such things! That deserves a spot on the nice list.”
How to help Santa
To help Santa get presents to Indiana families, register at the Operation Santa site then choose the “Read Letters” tab to adopt a family to send gifts to.
Once a family is adopted, you can fulfill some or all the requests in the letters and ship through your local post office via a QR code. The package will be addressed from Santa.
You can choose families here in Indiana or throughout the U.S. The last day to adopt a family is Dec. 16.
To learn more about Operation Santa, head to the program site.
Mirror Indy reporter Enrique Saenz covers west Indianapolis. Contact him at 317-983-4203 or enrique.saenz@mirrorindy.org. Follow him on X @heyEnriqueSaenz or on Bluesky at @enriquesaenz.bsky.social.
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