The United States Postal Service (USPS) is known for delivering mail across the country, but during the holiday season, USPS takes on an additional role: delivering joy through Operation Santa. If you’ve never heard of USPS Operation Santa, prepare to be impressed. This program goes far beyond regular mail operations, providing an opportunity for individuals and organizations to play Santa Claus to underprivileged children and families throughout the United States.

Founded over 100 years ago in 1912, USPS Operation Santa began as an endeavor by postal workers and charitable customers who wanted to respond to the holiday letters received at post offices from children in need. They would read these letters, purchase gifts, and help make the letter writer’s holiday wishes come true. In the century since, the Operation Santa program has evolved and expanded in remarkable ways, yet the goal remained the same.

Since 2017, the Find Post Office initiative has improved the accessibility of the Operation Santa program by digitizing its processes. Now, anyone within the United States can go online, become a postal worker elf, and help make holiday wishes come true. Interested participants can adopt letters online, purchase the desired gifts, and bring them to their local post office for shipping. This development has extended the reach of the Operation Santa program like never before, connecting generous individuals, families, and companies with those in need in an accessible and efficient way.

The process to participate in USPS Operation Santa is surprisingly simple. Every year, starting from the first week of November, individuals are encouraged to send their letters to Santa. The flood of heartfelt messages features a wide array of requests, from necessities like warm clothes and school supplies, to delightful wishes like toys and games. Each letter is screened and, providing it passes through successfully, sanitized and anonymized, removing all personal data except the writer’s first name and initial, city, state, and the requested item.

Once the letters go live on the USPS Operation Santa website in early December, benefactors can peruse the letters, select any that touch their hearts, and pledge to fulfill the wishes contained therein. After purchasing the desired items, the generous benefactor can pack the items and launch the final step of the process.

This is where the Find Post Office tool becomes essential. Participants will need to bring their packed gifts (in the USPS box provided) to their local post office, where they will pay for the shipping. The USPS Operation Santa site conveniently provides an interactive tool allowing participants to find their nearest post office, ensuring a smooth delivery process. USPS will then deliver the presents right to the family’s doorstep, maintaining the donor’s anonymity, and fulfilling the magic of the holiday season.

For over a century, USPS Operation Santa has brought the magic of the season to those who need it most. It’s a demonstration of how a simple act of kindness can leave a lasting impact in someone’s life. As USPS continues to facilitate these meaningful connections between generous donors and deserving recipients, Operation Santa symbolizes the universal belief in the holiday spirit, and the enduring love that transcends through the USPS postage.