Operation Santa launches for 2024 holiday mailing season

By Linn’s Staff

On Sept. 16, the United States Postal Service launched its Operation Santa program for the holiday mailing season.

Notice of the program’s start was published in a Sept. 18 press release.

According to the USPS, Operation Santa “allows generous people from across the United States to help fulfill the holiday wishes of families in need by adopting their letters to Santa Claus.”

This year the Postal Service teamed up with leading kids store Toys “R” Us “to expand the beloved USPS Operation Santa program, making it easier than ever for families and individuals to participate,” the Postal Service said.

“Delivering holiday joy has never been easier,” said Sheila Holman, USPS marketing vice president. “And our partnership with Toys ‘R’ Us is just the beginning. This year, we’re excited to offer a curated selection of toys and playthings, and next year, we’ll be expanding to include clothing, shoes, books and more. Our goal is to make it even easier for people to personalize their gift-giving and help more families experience the magic of the holidays through USPS Operation Santa.”

During Operation Santa, children write letters to Santa Claus to express their holiday desires. The letters are sent to Santa’s official address, according to the USPS.

The letters are then opened and reviewed. Personal information is redacted before the letters are made available for adoption on the Operation Santa website.

“Generous individuals, families and organizations can browse the letters, adopt one or more of them and fulfill the child’s holiday wishes,” the Postal Service said.

According to the USPS, Operation Santa will be highlighted in the new season of the Hulu series Dear Santa, which begins Nov. 24.

“The series will feature real-life stories of children whose letters were answered and the generous individuals and families who adopted them,” the Postal Service said.

Letters containing Christmas wish lists must include the writer’s first and last names and a complete return address.

The return address should contain a street address, apartment number (if applicable), city, state and ZIP code.

The letter must carry a forever stamp and should be addressed to Santa, 123 Elf Road, North Pole, 88888. Letters to Santa must be postmarked by Dec. 9.

Registration opens for letter adopters on Nov. 4, and the adoption period begins Nov. 18.

Dec. 16 is the last day to adopt letters. The USPS recommends mailing packages containing gifts from the wish lists by that date.

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