WASHINGTON — It is never too early to write to Santa. Through the annual USPS Operation Santa program, children and families can mail their wishlists directly to Santa's mailroom, where generous donors step in to adopt letters and fulfill holiday wishes.
On Sept. 14, the United States Postal Service (USPS) announced the start of its annual USPS Operation Santa campaign. For the 114th year, children from around the continental United States, including Hawaii and Puerto Rico can write letters to Santa and have them delivered to the North Pole.
The program will connect the letters with elves (donors) who will ship the gifts directly to those families in need.
According to the USPS any letters sent to "Santa's mailroom" will be digitized and made anonymous to protect the family's information.
“The holidays are a time to celebrate the joy of the season. But for some, the simple act of exchanging even small gifts is out of reach,” says Sheila Holman, vice president of marketing for the Postal Service. “For more than 100 years, USPS Operation Santa has given kindhearted people the opportunity to make dreams come true for thousands of children and their families through simple acts of kindness.”
USPS Operation Santa is completely voluntary, anonymous, and free to join for writers. Donors cover the cost of gifts and standard shipping fees when sending packages through participating Post Office locations or using Santa's Gift Shoppe online catalog.
If you are looking for holiday help for your family or planning to adopt a child's wishlist, keeping these important dates in mind, will make sure that a gift arrives by Christmas.
HOW DOES IT WORK?
For Families
- Write to Santa with your holiday wishes and make sure your child/family includes their first & last name and full return address in the letter. (Sample Letters)
- Write Legibly
- Include full name and address
- List gifts you want in order of preference
- Be specific about the gift you're asking for
- Don't ask for gifts that might be too expensive
- Place it in an envelope and mail it to Santa. (Parents: Don't forget the postage stamp!)
- Letter must be delivered and postmarked before December 5
For Elves (Donors) Going Through Website
- Staring November 2, visit the website and register. (Individuals and groups can register)
- Return on November 16 to read letters and make your adoption.
- Purchase the gift from Santa's Gift Shoppe and complete adoption online and you're done.
For Elves (Donors) Personally Shipping Packages
- Staring November 2, visit the website and register. (Individuals and groups can register)
- Find a letter starting November 16 and make your adoption.
- Wrap and package the gift using the USPS Guidelines (Don't forget to include the Note From Santa)
- Take gift to nearest participating USPS office by December 12.
- Show the USPS associate your QR Code and tell them you have a USPS Operation Santa gift. The QR code will be included in your confirmation email.
- Pay for shipping and you're done. (You will be notified when delivered)
KEY DATES
RESOURCES & LINKS (Clicking on link will take you directly to USPS page)
- Letter Instructions
- Sample Santa Tree letter
- Sample Dear Santa letter
- Sample HO HO HO letter
- Sample Winter Bear letter
Check out the FAQ section on USPS for any questions related to this program.
Are you planning to adopt a letter or family wishlist through USPS Operation Santa this year, or do you have a question about how shipping barcodes work? Let us know in the comments below!
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