The United States Postal Service (USPS) has announced it is updating its annual Operation Santa tradition.
Each year, the USPS Operation Santa accepts letters addressed to Santa Claus from children and their families asking for help with their Christmas wish lists. These are then reviewed by USPS employees to identify anonymous gift-givers, known as “adopters,” who fulfill the wishes by purchasing and sending the gifts.
Now, USPS has announced it is teaming up with Toys R Us for the 2024 holiday season. “Through the collaboration with Toys R Us, letter adopters can now easily select and purchase gifts from a specially curated e-commerce site,” a release issued on Wednesday reads.
“Delivering holiday joy has never been easier,” Sheila Holman, USPS marketing vice president, said in a statement. “And our partnership with Toys R Us is just the beginning. This year, we’re excited to offer a curated selection of toys and playthings, and next year, we’ll be expanding to include clothing, shoes, books and more. Our goal is to make it even easier for people to personalize their gift-giving and help more families experience the magic of the holidays through USPS Operation Santa.”
Gary Haas, Toys R Us e-commerce vice president, said: “We are thrilled to be partnering with USPS Operation Santa to empower more letter adopters this holiday season. By simplifying the adoption process and offering a curated selection of gifts, we are making it easier for individuals and families to spread joy to children in need and make their holiday dreams come true. Together, we’re creating magical moments that will resonate for years to come.”
A stock image of two young children opening Christmas presents. USPS Operation Santa, which allows people from across the United States to help fulfill the holiday wishes of families by responding to their letters to Santa Claus with gifts.
GETTY
How Can I Participate in Operation Santa?
If you or your child would like to receive an anonymous gift, all you need to do is send a letter detailing your holiday wishes to 123 Elf Road, North Pole, 88888. The letter should be addressed to Santa, and it should include your first name, last name, full return address, and your holiday wishes.
The USPS offers the following advice for letter senders:
- Write legibly
- List the gifts you want in order of preferences
- Be specific about the gifts you’re asking for
- Don’t ask for gifts that might be too expensive
Mailrooms began accepting letters to Santa on September 16, and adopters can register to buy a gift from November 4.
Ahead of the holiday season, which includes Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s, the USPS announced it would be temporarily increasing prices for some services. It has also unveiled its range of Christmas stamps, one of which includes a 17th-century Italian painting of Christ and the Madonna, and four others inspired by Mexican folk art.
