Tuesday, November 3, 2026

114 Years of Holiday Magic — USPS Operation Santa Needs More “Santa’s Helpers” to Adopt Letters and Deliver Joy

For 114 years, USPS Operation Santa® has turned heartfelt letters to Santa into real holiday moments for children and families. Each season, more letters arrive—full of hope, courage, and simple wishes—but there still aren’t enough Santa’s Helpers to adopt every letter and meet the needs of all deserving families.

On November 2, USPSOperationSanta.com registration began for readers and adopters to complete the ID verification process before the adoption process begins. Then on November 16, letter adoption can roll-out with the click of the mouse.

This year, the U.S. Postal Service is sending a special shout out to individuals, families, friend groups, workplaces, and community organizations to step up from the adopter perspective: choose a letter, fulfill a wish, and send the perfect gift—safely and anonymously—through the official online platform at USPSOperationSanta.com.

A Tradition Built on Generosity — and Powered by You

USPS Operation Santa works because everyday people decide to become someone else’s holiday miracle. Adopting a letter is more than giving a gift—it’s answering a family’s belief that someone out there cares.

When you adopt, you may see wishes that are small but meaningful: warm clothes, a coat that fits, books for school, or a toy that makes the season feel normal again. Many families aren’t asking for “more”—they’re asking for a chance.

Why It Matters Now

Every year, letters continue to grow in number. What doesn’t grow fast enough is the number of adopters. That gap can mean letters go unanswered—not because the community doesn’t care, but because people don’t realize how easy it is to help.

One adopter can change one holiday. Thousands of adopters can change an entire season.

How to Become a Santa’s Helper (in minutes)

1. Visit USPSOperationSanta.com,
2. Create an account and verify your identity,
3. Browse letters and adopt alone or as a group,
4. Choose gifts that match the letter’s wishes, and
5. Decide on shipping (there are two ways to ship) by the posted deadline so it arrives in time for the holidays.

A Safe, Secure Way to Give

USPS Operation Santa® is designed to protect privacy and keep giving simple. Adopters can fulfill wishes securely and anonymously through the official site—making it easy to focus on what matters most: delivering joy.

Call to Action: Adopt a Letter. Deliver a Dream.

The holidays are made of moments—some wrapped, some handwritten, some quietly hoped for. If you’ve ever wanted to make the season brighter in a direct, personal way, this is your invitation.

Adopt a letter. Send the perfect gift. Help make someone’s holiday wish come true.

For more information or for an interview request, please contact Natashi Garvins at natashi.l.garvins@usps.gov.