Operation Santa Volunteers Help Grant Wishes For Kids In Need
LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) — Letters from families in need are pouring into the post office for Santa.
He's getting a little help from volunteers through Operation Santa, an annual USPS endeavor to grant the wishes of thousands of local children.
"Santa needs our help right now, and anyone who can come in and volunteer on 'Dear Santa' letters is a huge help for Santa," Post Master General Ken Snavely said.
Operation Santa got its start in 1912 and has continued to grow.
Gretchen Neuble has been working with Santa for two years, going through letters, hoping to grant wishes for kids in need.
"I'm here, on this side, reading the letters, going to make someone's dream come true, I hope," Neuble said.
Santa's helpers sort through thousands of letters and pull out the ones addressed to Santa or the North Pole.
Santa even came out to see how his helpers were doing and to thank them for making wishes come true.
"Oh, I've been really busy. The kids are writing me letters every day, and we've got to answer them. I brought all of my elves here and my reindeer to help me out here today," Santa said.
Some children wrote to Santa asking for toys, others wanted clothes, others just wanted their family safe and sound.
People "adopt" letters by answering them and even fulfilling the child's requests.
Those interested in helping Operation Santa can visit www.operationsanta.com.