I was listening to NPR yesterday afternoon on the way to tutoring. One story was so heart-warming and had me in tears that I had to write about it. The discussion was about the U.S. Post Office and what they do with all those letters to Santa each year.
The only time the USPS violates the rule to never open anyone’s mail is at Christmas, and they open the letters to Santa Clause. People, ordinary local citizens of a community, come to read through several letters and pick one or more to provide Christmas presents for a needy family or make someone’s Christmas wish come true. It’s a fantastic way to be philanthropic.
They read a few of the letters on the air, and some of the wishes and requests were heart-breaking. One letter, the one that had me crying, was the letter asking Santa to find her dog, and if he found the dog, she would need a new collar and leash for it.
Kids ask for a new school uniform, basic clothing, a winter coat, or boots to wear in the snow. Some ask for a better job for their mom or dad. The postmaster interviewed said that many kids ask for necessities, and too often not any toys or luxuries at all. Those are the kids he and his community want to reach.
This is a great way to help kids who write those heart-breaking letters to Santa in your community. Volunteer at your local main post office, read through the letters to Santa and pick one or more to “answer”.
Make Christmas wishes come true for one or more kids and their families in your community.
December 5th, 2008 at 5:50 am
I think it would be a good idea which makes children happy and every one should feel initiative to help the children and the sending Santa Letters are the best way to make children happy.
December 6th, 2008 at 2:44 pm
Actually, all Santa Mail goes to one place when it’s processed by the post office. I work for a encoding place and we send it to one zip code where it is processed and a letter sent to the child.
December 6th, 2008 at 3:10 pm
That is amazing! I would have never thought anyone would take the time to read them!
Every year at Christmas we pick 1 or 2 kids names from the tree who are in need. And just like you said, most of the time they want things they need and do not even ask for toys or things they want. My pick last year wanted a coat, he was 12 years old.
We bought him the coat and also a game boy with a game. What 12 year old does not like that kind of stuff? So he got what he needed and got something fun too.
December 6th, 2008 at 6:09 pm
Is this really going to help things.
For most poor kids: reinforcing the santa lie is just going to make things worse.
Santa Gives More To Rich Kids Than Poor Kids.
So they grant a few christmas wishes to a few kids; reinforce the lie and crush their self-esteem in the long-term.
Better to be doing something directly about the inequality of wealth than thinking you’re really helping, when all you’re doing is covering over the problem with a few lousy christmas decorations.
December 7th, 2008 at 5:29 am
thanks for this reminder. i’m putting together a post of all the different creative ways you can serve/observe the holidays without resorting to traditional gift-buying (the kind that leads to walmart stampedes).
this is a great post!
jackie sheeler’s last blog post..george bush: america will NEVER pardon you for torture
December 7th, 2008 at 8:32 am
What a great idea! I had no idea that sometimes the Post Office works some Christmas magic.
RhondaL’s last blog post..Dr. Horrible DVD – Sing the “Bad Horse” song
December 8th, 2008 at 6:29 pm
This is really touching. I never thought about this, but what a great idea.
Jill Florio’s last blog post..Fee Free Day at San Bernardino National Forest
December 8th, 2008 at 9:57 pm
Thanks for writing about a great way to give back during the Christmas season. No $ needed.
Roger Carr’s last blog post..Free Ways to Help Those in Need
December 9th, 2008 at 4:09 am
His last name is spelled Claus in American English. God bless you.
December 10th, 2008 at 6:20 pm
This is really nice to see that people actually give to needy families. In Canada, if you write to Santa (postal code HOH OHO), the Postal Service provides a personal reply to all the children. Its a really cute way to instill and keep the wonder and magic of santa for the kids.
December 11th, 2008 at 1:23 pm
Thanks everyone for commenting. I thought this was a great way to adopt a needy family in your own community and wanted to share it.
Seedybee: Some of these kids write to Santa out of frustration and hopelessness because they feel they have nowhere else to turn. Most never believed in Santa Claus because they got little if anything for Christmas. Those are the letters we’re looking to answer.
It’s not anonymous unless the giver chooses the gifts to be that way. Most Santas take a letter and adopt a whole family for many years. The gifts are not small junk. They are often much needed items like clothing, coats and even food. Part of the gift can be helping the family to hook up with family services agencies that can help them all year long.
Yes, we need to deal with poverty in America, no question about that, and this is at least a start and can be done locally. Poverty will end when those who can give reach out one-to-one to those who need help. Help isn’t just about writing a check. It’s also about visiting, talking with, and coaching someone less fortunate to a better life.
A car load of groceries to one family could be a Godsend while they wait to be accepted into the food stamp program. Paying a needy family’s utility bills for a month or two could also be the gift given. It doesn’t have to be about presents. It can be about direct help to people who need it.
In these very tough economic times, many people are facing financial problems they never dreamed they would see. Families who were doing okay a year ago are not all doing okay today. A little help can go a long way.
April 6th, 2010 at 2:12 pm
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Darcie Kelly. Darcie Kelly said: Love this! @VolunteerCanada Help With Santa Letters At Your Main Post Office » Being the Change I Wish to See http://ow.ly/1ultc [...]