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| Santa makes surprise visit at the 100th Anniversary of "Op Santa" program held at James A. Farley Post Office in NYC |
Over a century ago NY Postal Clerks from the Money Order Division, touched by letters addressed to Santa, dug into their own pockets to purchase food and toys to distribute to needy children in the area.
The public response was so positive, that in 1912, Postmaster General Frank Hitchcock authorized local postmasters to allow Postal employees and citizens to adopt to the letters, and the program became officially recognized as “Letters to Santa” — except here in New York, where it’s called “Operation Santa.”
"The Letters to Santa program has made dreams come true for those in need for 100 years," said Donahoe to the crush of school children, Postal officials, media and the general public. "This is a time to celebrate how Postal employees, charitable organizations, businesses and others have made a difference in the lives of children coast to coast."
"I can tell
you that amazing things happen during this time of year, and many wishes and
dreams are fulfilled right here, at Operation Santa New York," said Pete Fontana, CEO of the Postal Holidays, and Chief Elf Operating Officer for
Operation Santa.
"So if you
are so inclined to help Santa out this year, the program opens to the public
beginning tomorrow Dec 5th, and runs through December 24th.You are all
invited to come by, read some letters, and if one touches your heart you can help
us deliver dreams."
Children from PS-33, who entertained the assembly with Christmas carols before the event started, received some early holiday cheer when Santa Claus stopped in and gave each child a bag filled with goodies.
New
York’s Operation Santa program is the largest in the country, receiving more
than half-million letters a season. Every Christmas, tens of thousands of
people come to James A. Farley Post Office to adopt a letter.
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| PMG Patrick Donahoe commends Chief Elf Operating Officer Pete Fontana for coordinating "Op Santa" program every year in New York |
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| PS-33 School Children sing carols prior to kick-off |
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| SCS Lynne Watson-Miyamoto sings National Anthem |
Operation Santa
Hours & Dates at James A. Farley Post Office
421 8th Avenue New York NY 10199
Dec. 5-24, 2012
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday & Saturday- 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Thursday- 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Closed on Sunday
For more information call 212-330-3000
email nyoperationsanta@usps.gov
See video of Letters to Santa on Manhattan Neighborhood Network Tuesday, December 18 and Dec. 25 at 9 pm on Time Warner Cable channel 56, RCN ch. 83 or Verizon FiOS ch. 34. It will stream live at that time on http://www.mnn.org/live/2-lifestyle-channel
It can also be watched on the youtube link below.
http://www.youtube.com/kristalhart
See video of Letters to Santa on Manhattan Neighborhood Network Tuesday, December 18 and Dec. 25 at 9 pm on Time Warner Cable channel 56, RCN ch. 83 or Verizon FiOS ch. 34. It will stream live at that time on http://www.mnn.org/live/2-lifestyle-channel
It can also be watched on the youtube link below.
http://www.youtube.com/kristalhart