The U.S. Postal Service’s ‘Letters To Santa’ From Children Reveals The Heartbreaking Impact Of The Pandemic
Every year thousands of children across the United States address their letters for Santa to the United States Postal Service. Back in 1912, the independent agency created its Operation Santa program, an initiative that allows local postmasters to respond to letters created by needy children.
This year, the initiative has reported that, unlike previous years, the letters to Santa this year have struck a different tune. This year many of the letters sent to Santa have reflected on the devastating effects of the current coronavirus pandemic.
Letters published by the USPS reveal that this year, children are putting more practical desires on their Christmas wish lists this year.
While many students have asked Santa to provide a cure for COVID-19, the Postal Service says that other letters mention the struggles they’ve seen their parents experience because of job loss.
One letter written to Santa mentioned how “this year has been very tough” and explained, “I lost my daddy and my grandpa, and my mommy is having a rough time… Maybe you can send her some happiness.”
Another letter written to Santa asked for a specific game. “Most of these days in COVID, I feel really down in the dumps and that game will kinda be like my way to escape reality.”
According to letters published by CNN, children shared the challenges of learning remotely and one note revealed how a child’s mother wouldn’t be able to “get anything for me for Christmas because she is not getting paid as much so she cannot afford anything.”
USPS spokesperson Kimberly Frum recently stated that she hopes that by fulfilling some of these letters, Operation Santa will be able to provide a “spark of happiness” much needed by families at this time.
“It will be hard to celebrate the holidays without loved ones, whether because of distance or actual loss,” Frum explained. “But being able to provide even the tiniest bit of normalcy or spark of happiness to those in need would mean the world to so many people right now… The holidays are about kindness, joy, love, family, and friends… The adopters of the letters in the program truly embody the spirit of the season by opening their hearts and showing those in need that they are not alone and they deserve to have a special season too.”
Speaking about the Santa program, Frum went onto share that USPS employees believe it is essential at the moment.
“The program has always been about providing holiday gifts for families who may not have the means to provide for anything more than basic everyday needs,” Frum told People. “This year, there are likely more families impacted financially and emotionally.”
Letters will continue to be accepted into Dec. 15.
If you or someone you know is interested in being a recipient of the Operation Santa program write a letter to Santa Claus at 123 Elf Road, North Pole, 88888. Be sure to include your full name and address and a first-class stamp in the upper right corner. Don’t forget to be specific with names and requests for toys including sizes for clothing and titles of games and books.
