CHICAGO — Thousands of letters have already arrived, and more come every day. They’re bearing wishes that Santa Claus will help their holidays be happy and joyous. Now, it’s time for Chicagoans to help those wishes come true.

Operation Santa, the Chicago Post Office’s annual holiday tradition, opened for the 2015 season today at the Main Post Office. Letters written to Santa Claus by children of all ages will be available for individuals and organizations to read, select and fulfill.

The program will have its official kickoff on Wed., Dec. 2 at 10 a.m., featuring live holiday music and a visit from Santa himself.

Operation Santa is an annual letter-writing program through which members of the public 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.

“Operation Santa gives families across the city hope and belief that there is magic in the spirt of the season,” said Chief Chicago Elf Janice Hall. “

The Operation Santa station is open at the Main Post Office, 433 W. Harrison St. Letters will be available from 8 am to 7 pm Monday through Saturday, and from 10 am to 6 pm Sunday, through Mon, Dec. 21.

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, especially in Chicago. Thousands of letters were answered last year, as individuals and organizations alike opened their hearts to extend the season’s joy to their fellow Chicagoans.

“We’re looking for Chicagoans to join us in helping as many families as possible this year,” said Hall.

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