How to Get Involved with Operation Santa Claus

Operation Santa Claus started in the 1920's in a New York post office. Employees began buying gifts for children who sent letters to Santa Claus. As the project grew, they looked for help from the general public. Many post offices have similar programs across the country. Get involved in Operation Santa Claus in your area and help make the Christmas of a needy child memorable.

Instructions

1. Go to your local post office and inquire as to if they have an Operation Christmas Child program. If they don't, ask if you could be involved in starting one. Or you can contact the post office in New York where the project began. They send letters received in their office to people all over the country who are willing to help.

2. Read letters that children have written to Santa Claus, which end up in the dead letter office of the post office. Find a needy child for whom you can provide Christmas gifts. You might consider sending a letter addressed to the parents of the child ahead of time, to let them know how many packages to expect.

3. Shop for your chosen child as your budget allows. Be careful, as it's easy to overspend when you feel that you are blessed with so much more than the person for whom you're buying. You might consider getting them something practical, like winter clothing, and something fun, like a toy or game. As needy as some children are, they are still children and will appreciate having something to play with as well as something they truly need.

4. Mail your presents and feel good knowing that you made Christmas a little bit happier for a needy child by becoming involved in Operation Christmas Child.

Resources

• For more information about Operation Santa Claus