Helping to Deliver a Little Christmas Cheer

Since 1912, the U.S. Postal Service has been operating its Letters to Santa program, where individuals can provide gifts to a needy child or family. The Postal Service screens letters for validity and assigns them to participants who agree to respond to the requests appropriately. The program will run this year through Jan. 4. For information, call (323) 586-2656. Rita Luther spoke with BONNIE BARRON, a participant in the program since 1988.

*

After my 27-year-old son died, I found celebrating Christmas to be unbearable. I needed to find a way to celebrate that would keep me busy and make me feel better. I had heard about Letters to Santa at the post office and called to find out how I could participate. The Consumer Affairs people at the USPS were very helpful. I signed up for three letters that first year.

My partner, Harris Stoner, and I and a few family members went out and spent my Christmas bonus to buy everything the kids asked for from Santa. We convinced my daughter’s friend to dress up as Santa Claus and together we delivered the gifts early on Christmas morning. It was the most wonderful feeling.

The next year several people from my law firm and from Harris’ office asked if they could participate so it sort of snowballed from there. Harris became our new Santa and we got a little more organized.

We now have more than 55 people at our wrapping party and we are generally able to serve four families.

It’s hard to resist letters such as the one from a little girl who wrote, “Last year was the saddest Christmas of my whole life. I did not receive one present. My parents did not have any money to spend on food. We had to sell some items to buy food. Santa Claus, I don’t want you to forget all those kids who need you more, but if you could bring my brother and me some clothes, we’d be very happy. Can you help us?”

I would like to see more people create their own Christmas project and reach out to families that are unable to provide a real Christmas for their children for one reason or another. Instead of buying each other expensive gifts, wouldn’t it be great if we spent some of that money on a local family that needs a little help? It brings a lot of joy to everyone involved.