NATIONWIDE – Every year countless children send letters to Santa through the United States Postal Service and each year Americans step up to help Santa grant their wishes through Operation Santa.

USPS says it receives hundreds of thousands of letters addressed to Santa, many of which, they say, come from children in need.

In 1912, the department first allowed employees and citizens to start responding to the letters, and in the 1940s USPS began receiving so many letters it started getting charity groups involved to help give gifts.

“The mission of USPS Operation Santa is to provide a channel where people can give back and help children and families — enabling them to have a magical holiday when they otherwise might not — one letter to Santa at a time,” reads the USPS website.

How to Send a Letter

In order for your child’s letter to make it to Operation Santa, make sure you use the right address:

    Santa Claus

    123 Elf Road

    North Pole 88888

According to USPS, letters just addressed to Santa will also be accepted, but they prefer the use of the entire address.

If a child is requesting clothing in the letter, please include what sizes and colors are needed. Any requests for items like toys, games, and books should be specific as possible.

If received by December 15, USPS will remove personal information like the child’s address and last name from the letter and will post a copy of it online for someone to answer.

How to Adopt a Letter

For those looking to help Santa, they can “adopt” a letter online beginning December 4.

Because of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, this year participants will not be able to pick out a letter in person and must choose from one online.

If you see a letter that speaks to you and you want to just respond or send a gift, you’ll fill out a registration form and go through an ID verification process.

Some letters from children in need are already appearing on the site. So far the include requests for items like scooters and stationary. Others letters ask for things like a new electric wheelchair, and for a little girl’s sister to heal.