Spread Joy this Season: Be Santa’s Elf and Grant a Child’s Christmas Wish with USPS Operation Santa!
You can be one of Santa's elves this holiday season and help make a child's Christmas wish come true.
Helping Underprivileged Children Since 1912
While the USPS has had a similar operation in place since 1912, 2019 was the first year that the United States Postal Service made its Operation Santa Program digital. The tradition continues and caring elves can send gifts directly to children in need this holiday season.
Be One of Santa's Elves
According to BeAnElf.org, the organization that partners with the USPS, the letters to Santa are often written by underprivileged children or their parents and usually ask for the most basic things that you and I may take for granted like a coat to stay warm in the winter or a new pair of shoes.
Adoptions Begin November 20, 2023
The process to adopt a child is very simple. Letters to Santa are already being received and registration for adopters is now open. Beginning November 20th adoptions will start and volunteers will be able to fulfill holiday wishes.
Anyone in the US can print out a letter they adopt from the USPS ® website, together with a barcoded shipping label. To protect children’s privacy, USPS staff redact family names and addresses from letters before posting them online. Then they send them along their way to the North Pole, so kids will get Santa’s gifts too. -BeAnElf.org
If you would like to adopt a child this holiday season, you can learn more by visiting the USPS Operation Santa Program here. Your gifts must be mailed by December 18th to be delivered by Christmas.
Need to Send a Letter to Santa?
If you are a child or a family of a child who might benefit from a little Elf magic, you can mail your letters to Santa at the address below. Letters must be postmarked by December 11, 2023, to be eligible.
Santa
123 Elf Road
North Pole, 88888
The USPS offers some helpful tips for writing your letters to Santa. You can find those tips by visiting uspsoperationsanta.com.
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Gallery Credit: Annalise Mantz & Madison Troyer