USPS Operation Santa Letter Adoption in Full Swing

In the spirit of the holiday season, the U.S. Postal Service has announced the early launch of its annual Operation Santa letter adoption program. Beginning this Monday, generous souls have the chance to set the stage for sugar plum dreams to come true for those struggling through a challenging winter.

For over a century, Operation Santa has been turning letters addressed to the North Pole into wishes fulfilled. This heartwarming tradition enables people to adopt these letters, penned by hopeful children across the nation. The simple act of responding bears testimony to the power of kindness and reaffirms to these youngsters that their holiday wishes have indeed been heard, perhaps even destined to come true.

Sue Brennan, the senior PR representative for USPS, emphasized the profound and influential resonance of the program. Brennan shared with USA Today that in 2022 alone, the program saw over 18,000 letters being adopted. Her expectations for the current year are high, as she predicts that the impressive tide of generosity observed last year will continue to surge forward.

“This program is unlike anything else in the Postal Service — in every aspect. Employees that get involved are in awe of the program’s history and the sheer joy it brings to so many. Seeing so many thousands of people wanting to help strangers have a happier holiday is something I can’t quite explain.”

Sue Brennan, USPS senior PR representative, via USA Today

Earlier this year, in mid-September, Operation Santa began its prompt acceptance of letters. Today, Santa’s mailroom is bustling with letters eagerly awaiting their adoption and wishes impatiently hoping to be granted by those who sign up at USPSOperationSanta.com.

Here’s What You Need To Know as a Wishful Writer

To send Santa your wishes, make sure to include your full name and return address on the letter. This includes your street, apartment number, city, state, and ZIP code. Don’t forget the postage stamp and the address for Santa: 123 Elf Road, North Pole, 88888.

After arriving at Santa’s mailroom, these letters are opened, confidential information is carefully redacted, and the letters are uploaded onto the USPS website for adoption. No online registration is required for sending letters. Please remember, all letters must be postmarked by Dec. 11, and there’s no age limit for letter-writers. Plus, the USPS website provides handy writing tips for the little ones and a variety of downloadable, printable templates ranging from a jolly “ho ho ho letter” to a cute “winter bear letter.”

Calling All Potential Gift Givers

If you’re looking to become a part of this magical tradition, you can adopt letters through USPSOperationSanta.com. You’ll need to register an account and authenticate your ID. All adoptions are done digitally, and you can adopt up to 15 letters. Plus, for those fluent in Spanish, letters written in Spanish are available and can be found using a language filter.