Even though this year’s Christmas isn’t going to be the same as it usually is because of the whole COVID-19 situation, it absolutely doesn’t mean that the festive season can’t be magical. And even though most of us won’t be able to see and hug our relatives during the holiday, we’ve still got everything we need to spread love to others in a safe way. Especially to those who need it the most.
On December 4th, the United States Postal Service is launching its annual Operation Santa letter program inviting people all over the country to spread the holiday joy by helping families in need. In addition, for the first time in 108 years, the program is going digital and nationwide!
More info: USPS Operation Santa
On December 4th, USPS is launching its annual 108-year-old Operation Santa letter program
Image credits: Unknown (not the actual photo)
USPS Operation Santa is an annual program that first started over 100 years ago that makes it possible for organizations and individuals to adopt letters written to Santa and send responses and gifts in Santa's place.
The initiative started back in 1912 when postmaster General Frank Hitchcock created Santa’s first mailroom and authorized local postmasters to open up the letters written to Santa for employees to read and respond. Eventually, the initiative became known as Operation Santa.
The program makes it possible for people to adopt letters written to Santa and send responses and gifts in Santa's place
Image credits: Unknown (not the actual photo)
In the 1940s, the Postal Service invited charitable organizations and corporations to participate by providing written responses and small gifts. Fast forward to now, anyone who is fortunate enough to do so can adopt as many letters as they'd like and spread joy to the kids who need it the most.
To participate in the program, all you have to do is go on the USPS Operation Santa webpage and adopt a letter. Then you'll have to find the gift, package it, and ship it to the provided address. This year, due to COVID-19, the program is going online, so there will be no in-person letter adoptions.
This year, for the first time ever, the program is going digital and nationwide
Image credits: uspsoperationsanta
The Operation Santa program was recently brought to the attention of thousands of people on Twitter when the user @genesissco_ wrote a post about it on her Twitter profile. "Many of these kids are asking for the simplest of things. If you’re fortunate enough to be able to, please do," the woman wrote in her post encouraging people to participate.
Recently, a post on Twitter about the Operation Santa program went viral, gaining over 44k likes
Image credits: genesissco_
The post quickly gained a lot of attention and it currently has over 44k likes and almost 24k retweets. Turns out, before reading this post, many people didn't know about this 108-year-old tradition at all!
Many of those who decided to check out the USPS Operation Santa webpage inevitably started looking through the kids' letters. And, what can we say, it got pretty emotional.
People in the comments started sharing letters they found on the website that touched their hearts the most
Image credits: USPS Operation Santa
Image credits: USPS Operation Santa
Image credits: USPS Operation Santa
Image credits: USPS Operation Santa
Image credits: USPS Operation Santa
Image credits: USPS Operation Santa
Image credits: USPS Operation Santa
Here's what people on Twitter are saying about the USPS Operation Santa program
Image credits: qweentilly_8
Image credits: kamiwitha_k
Image credits: lolatufine
Image credits: kaylee_keyanna
Image credits: librapapi
Image credits: Who_But_Dre_
What do you think about USPS' Operation Santa program? Have you ever participated in it? Or maybe you'd like to participate this year? Tell us down in the comments!