The United States Postal Service has officially kicked off this year’s Operation Santa Claus, their annual program designed to spread holiday cheer by connecting generous donors with children and families in need across the country.

Operation Santa Claus allows community members to “adopt” holiday greetings or gift requests sent to the North Pole by children. Participants can select requests, purchase items, and return them—with gift tags attached—to be delivered via USPS routes. The program is a heartwarming intersection of postal service mission and community goodwill.

Local post offices often organize and host collections and displays, giving residents a central spot to get involved, choose wish lists, or drop off donations. Many USPS branches partner with schools, nonprofits, or civic groups to reach underserved children in their area.

The program is ongoing throughout the holiday season. 

For families needing help, write and mail a letter to Santa NOW. Be sure it is postmarked by December 6 to participate. USPS will remove personal info and post the wish list to a secure site for adoption.

For people who want to help, registration and ID check opens November 3 and letter adoption begins November 12. The last day to adopt and ship gifts is December 13. 

Find out more information here.