Only hours remain to make holiday wishes come true for those in need.
The deadline to adopt letters from the USPS Operation Santa program is Dec. 19 — which is also the recommended deadline for letter adopters to ship their packages by Priority Mail.
For security reasons, adopters must complete a brief registration and ID verification process before adopting a letter.
The USPS Operation Santa website offers shipping tips and answers frequently asked questions. The Postal Service also provides a video — available with English or Spanish captions — that explains how to participate in the program.
For 110 years, USPS Operation Santa has relied solely on the kindness and generosity of strangers.
The program traces its roots to Postmaster General Frank Hitchcock, who authorized postal workers and customers to respond to letters that Post Offices receive for Santa Claus. It has since allowed people to help millions of children and families have a magical holiday safely, securely and anonymously.
Additionally, you can experience the magic of the program this holiday season on television. A new miniseries about the gift-giving initiative debuted Dec. 5. Check Hulu and ABC local listings in select markets for showtimes.