Northern NJ — Thirty Seven Post Offices in the USPS Northern New Jersey District are participating in the Postal Service’s 2013 Letters to Santa program for the holidays. The program matches volunteers with letters written to Santa from needy children and families. Customers, charitable organizations, postal employees, and local businesspeople can visit the participating Post Offices by Dec. 20 to adopt a letter and help Santa fulfill some holiday wishes.

The 37 Main Post Offices include: Allendale, Glen Gardner, Highland Lakes, Landing, Ironia, Raritan, Mendham, Carteret, Hewitt, Newark, Wyckoff, Flemington, Bernardsville, Hopatcong,  Tenafly, Netcong, Edison, Piscataway, Haskell, Garwood, Fort Lee, Brookside, Ringwood, Sayreville, Pompton Lakes, High Bridge, Vauxhall, Stanhope, Cedar Grove, Closter, Bedminster,
Basking Ridge, Sparta, Belvidere, Saddle River, Waldwick, and Hohokus.

In 1912, Postmaster General Frank Hitchcock authorized postmasters to allow individuals or institutions to use letters addressed to "Santa Claus" for philanthropic purposes. In the 1940s, mail volume for Santa increased so much that the Postal Service invited charitable organizations and corporations to participate by providing written responses and small gifts. In its 101st year, many children and families in need have benefited from the kindness of strangers through this charitable effort.  

As part of the safety measures that protect the children, those adopting letters will not know the address of the child or family, and will have to make a return trip to the Post Office to mail the letter or parcel. The letters will have concealed personal information and a code number assigned. The adopted letter or package is presented to the postal clerk at the Allendale Post Office, who will match the number on the letter with the child’s address. The shipment is weighed and postage collected. The Postal Service will affix the mailing label and send the letter or package on its way. State or federal issued ID is required for participation.

For additional information about the Northern New Jersey Letters to Santa program, contact Program Coordinator and Head Elf Candace Heuer at 732-819-3685.

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