INDIANAPOLIS, IN — For almost 40 years, it has been a festive fixture on Monument Circle.  During the holiday season, the U.S. Postal Service invites children (of all ages) to place their wishes and dreams in Santa’s Mailbox, which is located on the east side of the Circle facing Market Street. It’s part of the Postal Service’s annual Letters to Santa initiative. This year, the holiday collection box decorated with Santa and his red-nosed reindeer was placed on Nov. 16, and it will be removed on Monday, Dec. 14.

“The Postal Service is very proud to be part of the holiday season festivities in Indianapolis,” said Indianapolis Postmaster Gary Soultz. “Our postal elves are already hard at work answering letters on behalf of the Big Guy,” he said.

So what does the modern child request? Here is a small sample of some of the letters the Postal Service has received.

“Dear Santa, I want to meet Nicki Minaj, but my Mom won’t let me because she lives far away. So, if you can let her know I want to meet her. I’ve saw all your videos.”

Another child sends Santa her itemized gift list which includes her top choice — “American Girl doll stuff,” but also #8 “(really want) — crutches.”

“Dear Santa, May I have a baby tortoise. And those sunglasses.”

Indianapolis Customer Relations Coordinator Valerie Rhodes wants to let everyone know that the holiday mailbox is filling up and that children have until Sunday night, Dec. 13 to post their letter to Santa.

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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