CHICAGO - In less than one week, Chicagoans have found hundreds of letters that touch their hearts, as the Chicago Post Office’s Operation Santa 2012 is off and running.

“Operation Santa is off to an amazing start,” said Chief Chicago Elf Robin Anderson. “People have come in to get letters every day since we opened last week. We’ve even begun receiving gifts for shipping to the letter writers already.”

More than 12,000 letters have been received at the Operation Santa station this season, with more arriving every day. As the big day nears, Anderson urges Chicagoans to visit the station this week, to ensure that as many holiday wishes as possible can come true this season.

Operation Santa is an annual letter-writing program through which members of the public and charitable organizations respond to children’s letters addressed to Santa Claus, the North Pole and other seasonal characters. It’s become a holiday tradition for many families, businesses and groups, as they share the spirit of the season to help make some holiday wishes come true for others – especially the less fortunate - in the community.

The Operation Santa station is open at the Main Post Office, 433 W. Harrison St. Letters will be available from 8 am to 8 pm Monday through Saturday, and from 8 am to 4 pm Sunday, through Sat., Dec. 22.

2012 marks the 100th anniversary of Operation Santa. The Postal Service began receiving letters to Santa Claus more than 100 years ago. However, its involvement was made official when in 1912 Postmaster General Frank Hitchcock authorized local postmasters to allow postal employees and citizens to respond to letters.

Over the past 60 years, the program has taken on a life of its own. Today, cities around the
country have hugely successful programs working with recognized charitable organizations, major corporations, local businesses and postal employees to make a difference in the lives of children from coast to coast.

“It's an honor to be part of this special anniversary of giving,” said Anderson.
The Postal Service receives no tax dollars for operating expenses, and relies on the sale of postage, products and services to fund its operations.

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