California news

Nov 06, 2023

'Dear Santa, I’ve been Good All Year'

USPS joins Hayward Fire Department in 3rd Annual Letter Writing event

Dear Santa

What:

The Hayward Post Office in partnership with the Hayward firefighters Local 1909 and La Familia Counseling Service will host the 3rd annual USPS Operation Santa Letter writing event. Over one hundred kids will come to write their heartfelt letters to Santa. 

In addition to letter writing there will be on site games, prizes, and an opportunity to put their stamina to the test in a firefighter obstacle course.

Who:

Hayward Post Office
Hayward Firefighters Local 1909

When:

Saturday, November 18, 2023, 3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Where:

Fire Station 6
1401 W. Winton Ave.
Hayward, CA 94545

MEDIA INSTRUCTION: Please RSVP to this email.

Background:

The Postal Service is celebrating its 110th anniversary of the USPS Operation Santa program this year. USPS Operation Santa provides an online channel where people can safely and securely help children and families have a magical holiday when they otherwise might not— one letter to Santa at a time. It allows individuals to adopt letters written to Santa and send thoughtful, heartfelt gifts anonymously. 

To send a letter to USPS Operation Santa, address it to: 

Santa Claus
123 Elf Rd
North Pole, 88888

Be sure to add the letter writer’s first and last name, a complete return address, and a stamp on the envelope to make sure the letter reaches its destination and is uploaded to our website USPSOperationSanta.com.

When asking for items such as toys, games, or books, letter writers should also include the specific titles and names of books, games, and toys, if possible, in their letters. When asking for clothes or shoes, we ask letter writers to include their clothing and shoe size as well as any preferred colors when asking for these items.

We ask letter writers to send their special messages to USPS Operation Santa no later than Dec. 12 to allow time for them to be uploaded to our website.

Letter writers can learn more about the program on our website, USPSOperationSanta.com USPS Operation Santa® | USPS

Letter Adoption

Beginning November 20th, verified adopters can read through letters and chose one or more to adopt. Letters will be available for adoption on our website through December 18th.

The Postal Service began receiving letters to Santa more than a century ago. In 1912, Postmaster General Frank Hitchcock authorized local postmasters to allow employees and customers to respond to them. This act of kindness became what is now known as USPS Operation Santa.

The complete program history can be found online at the USPS Holiday Newsroom, along with additional news and information, including all domestic, international, and military mailing and shipping deadlines.

USPS Operation Santa is not a guaranteed gift-giving program. It relies solely on random acts of kindness and the generosity of strangers.

# # #

The United States Postal Service is an independent federal establishment, mandated to be self-financing and to serve every American community through the affordable, reliable and secure delivery of mail and packages to 169 million addresses six and often seven days a week. Overseen by a bipartisan Board of Governors, the Postal Service is implementing a 10-year transformation plan, Delivering for America, to modernize the postal network, restore long-term financial sustainability, dramatically improve service across all mail and shipping categories, and maintain the organization as one of America’s most valued and trusted brands.

The Postal Service generally receives no tax dollars for operating expenses and relies on the sale of postage, products and services to fund its operations.

For USPS media resources, including broadcast-quality video and audio and photo stills, visit the USPS Newsroom. Follow us on X, formerly known as Twitter; Instagram; Pinterest; Threads and LinkedIn. Subscribe to the USPS YouTube Channel and like us on Facebook. For more information about the Postal Service, visit usps.com and facts.usps.com.

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