USPS Operation Santa Registration is Now Open – Brighten a Child’s Christmas!
Here’s how you can participate in the USPS Operation Santa letter submission & adoption program.
Here’s a thoughtful way to give back this holiday season!
Here at Hip2Save, we truly love sharing all the latest deals with you, and we’re so thankful to play a part in making the holidays more affordable for families all over the country! Unfortunately, there are still a lot of families in need who struggle around this time of year while trying to provide their loved ones with a memorable holiday season.
Luckily, the USPS is running its Operation Santa program once again this year, and it’s the perfect opportunity to help others and give back! Pre-registration for the event has just begun and starting on November 18th, you can “adopt” letters and help another family.
What is Operation Santa?
Every year, the USPS receives tons of hopeful letters to Santa. Instead of tossing these heartfelt letters, the USPS decided to respond, and the initiative became known as Operation Santa.
USPS collects letters and holiday wish lists from families all over the country. Once the letters are accepted and the writers’ personal information removed, they’re put “up for adoption” for folks from all around the US. Those who adopt can then purchase the wish list items and get them to the families with a little help from the USPS.
It’s a safe way to spread the holiday cheer and help other families have the best holiday possible.
If you’re looking to be a part of the Operation Santa program this year, you’ll be allowed to adopt up to 15 letters starting on November 18th. In the meantime, you can create an account to verify your ID and register to participate.
Here’s how to pre-register…
- Visit the USPS Operation Santa website and click “letter adoption.”
- Select “register & verify ID” if you haven’t yet. Note that even if you’ve participated in the past, you’ll need to renew your registration each year. Preregistration begins on November 4th.
- Create an account and verify your ID and password. If you aren’t able to verify your ID online, you can visit one of the 19,000 participating Post Office locations with a Label Broker service.
- After you’re approved, you’ll receive an email with detailed information on how to join in and make the most of the program by adopting a letter or letters. You can begin adopting letters now!
Businesses are also welcome to take part in the USPS Operation Santa program, but every individual participant will need to go through the verification process.
Looking to submit a wish list?
Through December 9th, you can write your letter to Santa, enclose it in an envelope with a First-Class Mail stamp, fill in your complete return address, including apartment number and directional information (if necessary, ex. E Main St, Apt 103), and Zip Code, and mail it to Santa’s official workshop address:
Santa Claus
123 Elf Road
North Pole, 88888
For a family, group all your family’s letters in one envelope and include additional stamps depending on the weight.
If you’d like some inspiration and tips, the USPS has a helpful guide for writing the perfect letter to Santa!
Plan to participate? Here are some key dates to remember:
- November 4: Pre-registration and ID verification begins for adopters
- November 18: Letters are now available for adoption; make sure you register first.
- December 9: Last day to place wish list letters in the mail.
- December 16: This is the last day for adopters to adopt letters and ship their packages. Adoptions close at 8 pm ET.
I’d like to do this, but I’m broke. If my kid puts a hoverboard there, are we obligated to purchase the entire list? I hate to sign up and make a kid actually miss out on something.
Hey Sara! I did find these details in the FAQ if they might be helpful! 🤗❤️
“Do I have to buy everything the child asked for? :
No. You can respond however you’re inspired to. Some people fulfill one or two of the child’s wishes, while still others may choose to grant all the wishes listed.”
“I can’t fulfill my letter! How do I cancel my adoption?:
You can cancel an adoption under Your Letters in your account profile. This allows the letter to be republished on the site so it can be adopted by someone else.”
Awesome. Thank you !
You’re very welcome! 🥰 Glad to help!
How do I put in for my daughter to have a chance to get adopted? I’m heartbroken that I can’t get her much of anything and everyone said I’m to late for help this year if someone could point me in the right direction to get help I’ll be forever grateful 🙏
Hi Nina! The link in the post above that says “Operation Santa program” takes you to a spot to write a letter to Santa with all the details! You might also reach out to community organizations that are local to your area, as sometimes there is assistance available that way – Facebook groups that are local to you (such as buy, sell, trade or news groups) seem to be a great place to ask for details on these types of organizations to reach out to. ❤️ Hoping these suggestions are helpful!
I am in need of help for Christmas
Hi there! You can register through the link above. ❤️
I stopped looking at the request when I saw I phones and $500.00 plus gaming systems.
That’s why they call these “Wish Lists” ; )
I’m thinking the kids will love anything you’d like to gift them with!
Have fun looking for sales & clearances as well.
God Bless you! Your hearts in the right place!!