With Christmas Eve only weeks away, this is a busy time for Santa Claus and his elves.
He’s making lists, checking them twice, getting coal for the kids that have been naughty and making toys for all the kids that have been nice.
Santa always tries his hardest to get everyone a gift, but, logistics being what they are, he doesn’t always get a chance to visit every home.
Even Santa needs help. And he needs it by Dec. 18.
The U.S. Postal Service is letting Hoosiers help Santa make the Christmas wishes of Indiana families come true through its Operation Santa program.
The postal service displays some of the letters to Santa written by kids and their families. Then the service pairs them with people who can purchase some of the items on their list and ship them to the families in Santa’s name.
Letters to Santa
Until Monday, Dec. 11, families can write letters to the North Pole asking Santa Claus to fulfill their holiday wishes.
According to the postal service, the address for Santa’s workshop is 123 Elf Rd., North Pole 88888. The workshop accepts letters with first-class mail postage and complete, accurate and legible return addresses.
Dozens of families from around Indiana have written letters so far. Some letters are from children in foster care. Others tell of individual challenges faced by families, like lost jobs or deceased, incarcerated or estranged family members.
“My name is Dez, and I’m the lucky momma/bonus momma of the kiddos who have included letters,” one Indiana family member wrote. “This is our first year as a blended family. Times are hard and while we are managing, Christmas seems like a long shot … I’d love to be able to give them the Christmas they all deserve.”
Many children write their own letters to Santa, and others, especially the younger ones, dictate their letters to their parents.
Some kids shoot for the moon, asking for cell phones, iPads or a Playstation 5.
Others ask for simple items, like books, clothes, markers and toys.
Andresito, a 7-year old from Indiana, asked for a home staple some take for granted.
“I’m turning 7 years old and I wanted to ask you for clothes (and) shoes for my age. Do you have a chair so I can sit down to eat? Thank you, Santa,” he wrote.
Amelia, 11, is honest about her behavior.
“Dear Santa- Hi, my name is Amelia. I’ve been good this year, but not perfect. I’m 11 and about to turn 12. What I want from Santa is a coat. My size is large. Or a $10 Visa card,” she wrote.
The families’ identities and addresses are kept confidential. Only a few pieces of information besides the wishes are displayed, including the child’s first name, age and home state. That’s just enough information for Santa and his Hoosier helpers to deliver holiday cheer.
Helping Santa
Hoosiers can help Santa bring Christmas cheer to needy families by registering with Operation Santa and choosing a family to adopt.
Once a family is adopted, you can fulfill some or all of the requests in the letters and ship them 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. 18.
This is the 111th year of the program. To learn more about Operation Santa, check out the website.
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