Want to Make a Child’s Christmas Wish Come True? Check Out ‘Operation Santa’

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You can help a child experience joy this holiday season.

Important points

• Many families are facing financial difficulties this year as they struggle to afford everyday necessities.
• Some children may not get the Christmas they dream of because their families cannot afford it.
• Find out how to make a child’s wish come true by mailing holiday gifts through the USPS “Operation Santa” program.

This year, many families are struggling to afford everyday necessities. As a result, some children may experience a less festive holiday season than expected. If you have extra money to spare and want to help a family in need, USPS’s Operation Santa offers a simple and fun way to make a difference. Read on to learn how you can make a child’s Christmas wish come true.

Operation Santa helps Santa get more presents under the tree

The USPS is looking for volunteers who want to make the holidays magical for families this year. The Operation Santa program has been around for over 100 years and has helped families who may be going through a challenging time experience extra joy.

Operation Santa matches needy families with generous strangers who want to make a difference. Families who need help this year are encouraged to have their children write and mail a letter to Santa outlining their wish lists. Letters must be postmarked by December 12.

Volunteers can commit to helping a child or family in need by officially adopting a letter. If your finances are under control this year, this program offers an easy and exciting way to celebrate the magic of the season. To adopt a child or family, visit USPSOperationSanta.com to be verified and registered so you are ready to adopt a letter.

From November 28 letters will be made available and will continue to be added as received. You can read through available letters until you find the right match. Participants can choose to adopt a letter or multiple letters. Keep in mind that there are no spending requirements in place, so sending a budget-friendly gift is a great way to spread holiday cheer.

Don’t miss the chance to get involved. You have until December 19 to submit a letter. The USPS recommends mailing out packages by this date to ensure your gifts arrive in time for Santa to get them under the tree by Christmas morning.

Other ways to make an impact this holiday season

Looking for other ways to spread holiday cheer? There are many opportunities to help make the holidays better for others. The best part is that you don’t have to drain your bank account to make someone’s holiday more festive. Here are some ways you can make an impact:

Donate to a food pantry: Many families rely on food pantries to fill their cupboards — especially now when grocery prices are higher than usual. If you have extra food at home to donate or, even better, can afford to donate money this winter, this is a great way to help.

Support a local toy drive: Donating gifts to a toy drive is a fun way to help children and families in need. No gift is too small. Look for collection toy stations in your community — sometimes these are hosted by local stores, medical or veterinary clinics, or government offices.

Donate your time: You don’t have to spend money to make a difference. Organizations in your community could use extra helping hands during the busy holiday season. By donating some of your free time as a volunteer, you can do your part to spread holiday cheer while helping community organizations run more smoothly.

Check out your elderly neighbors: Not all seniors have a solid support system, and this time of year can be extra lonely. Consider checking on your elderly neighbors if they need help. Stopping to have a conversation, kick their driveway, or drop off a prepared meal are easy ways to help.

Every bit makes a difference. Through your actions, you can make the season a little brighter for someone else. Your efforts can make more of an impact than you realize.

If you are struggling financially this year, you are not alone. Don’t be afraid to use available resources like the ones mentioned above. You can have a festive celebration with your family without going into debt or giving up on your personal financial goals.