Operation Santa Archives - Charity Matters

On monday , I talked about the US Post offices 100-year-old program called Operation Santa. Well one volunteer “elf”, Patrick Reynolds, was so inspired by his experience with the program that he decided to help promote the cause with Be An Elf. Org.

On Christmas Eve, 2004, Patrick delivered gifts through Operation Santa to needy families. He was so moved by the experience that he set up Be An Elf.Org to bring more attention to the post offices program. Patrick wondered why he not heard of the USPS program? So he decided to use his time and talent to bring more attention to a cause he cared about.

“I was moved by the surprise and delight on children’s faces. I thought more people should know about the Letters to Santa / Operation Santa program,” Patrick said. Within a few days, he got the idea to form a new group, which became Be An Elf.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yh9jkmfQz-g]

I love this story because it is a true reflection of what Christmas is all about. We all have causes that we care about, but the Christmas spirit inspired Patrick to action. He in turn inspires each of us to reach out to help a child in need and reminds us what the season is all about.

Charity Matters.

Copyright © 2012 Charity Matters. This article may not be reproduced without explicit written permission; if you are not reading this in your newsreader, the site you are viewing is illegally infringing our copyright. We would be grateful if you contact us.

Keep Reading

One hundred years ago the United States postal service quietly began Operation Santa. Thousands of heartbreaking letters from needy children were read and answered by volunteers. Today, that extraordinary experience is still happening at post offices all over the country.

Since 1912, the U.S. Post Office, has gathered volunteer “elves” to read tens of thousands of letters written to Santa. They are then sorted based on need, such as food or a pair of shoes and then matched with a donor to help fulfill their Christmas wish.

Due to Hurricane Sandy, this year is expected to be especially difficult. Operation Santa is expecting more than 10,000 letters, just in one New York City Post Office. The combination of the economy and this natural disaster has made the need for help even greater this holiday season.

[brightcove vid=2008591766001&exp3=1685956553001&surl=http://c.brightcove.com/services&pubid=29906171001&pk=AQ~~,AAAABvaL9Hk~,mLC66bU8hPOBGO8BPO1coBAeF5n-gkxo&w=300&h=225]

If you would like to be an elf this year, simply click the USPS link here to find out ways you can help Santa and the kids this holiday season. Isn’t that what it’s all about?

Charity Matters.

Keep Reading