Operation Santa Launches Dec. 6 to Spread Holiday Goodwill

Letters written to Santa Claus available for public to adopt and answer

December 06, 2016 



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Who:  

Los Angeles Postmaster Ken Snavely
and Santa Claus

What:  

Will cut the ribbon for the grand opening of Operation Santa 2016, where the public can adopt letters written to Santa Claus. This media event will provide information on when and where “Santa’s Helpers” can read and adopt letters in the greater Los Angeles area. Dear Santa letters will be available to read and some Santa’s Helpers will be around to interview.

When:  

11:00  a.m.
Tuesday, Dec. 6, 2016

Where:  

U.S. Postal Service - Los Angeles District Office
(North side of parking lot by Credit Union)
7001 S. Central Ave.
Los Angeles, CA  90052

Spanish speaking postal representative will be available

Background:  

For generations, writing a letter to Santa has been a tradition this time of year; and for some kind-hearted folks, answering a Dear Santa letter has also been a holiday custom. 

In 1912, Postmaster General Frank Hitchcock authorized postal employees and local citizens to respond to the many letters written to Santa Claus. The goodwill program, known as Operation Santa, has changed over the years but continues on.

Although current privacy and security regulations prevent personal information contained in the letters (such as a last name and address) being provided to the public, the program still operates in select locations with the Postal Service acting as middle man.

Personal information in the letters is redacted by USPS staff and those who choose to adopt and answer letters make a return trip to the Post Office to mail the gift and pay postage. USPS staff then applies the name and delivery address to the package or letter.

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