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The United States Postal Service (USPS) is launching its annual "Operation Santa" program, inviting volunteers to help fulfill holiday wishes for children and families in need. The program, which began in 1912, allows families to send letters to Santa, and volunteers can adopt these letters to provide gifts. Registration for adopters is now open, and the process includes filling out a form and completing an ID verification for security purposes.
Sheila Holman, USPS vice president of marketing, emphasized the importance of community involvement, stating, "Every year we receive thousands of letters filled with holiday wishes — often outnumbering available adopters." She encourages companies and organizations to form teams to adopt households together, ensuring everyone can share in the holiday joy, as reported by AL.com.
Once approved, adopters can read letters from children and families nationwide and select one to fulfill. Gifts can be purchased online via Santa’s Gift Shoppe, operated by USPS in partnership with Toys "R" Us, or in person. All gifts must be shipped by December 12 to ensure delivery before Christmas.
The program has expanded significantly since its inception, with ABC News reporting that it now allows participation from across the United States. Xavier Hernandez, a USPS communications specialist, noted, "This is the most expansive program that we've done so far."
For more information or to participate, visit the Operation Santa website.