BeAnElf.org Offers The Best Online Guide To The USPS Operation Santa Program For Answering Letters To Santa Claus From Needy Children - A Great Resource For Operation Santa Volunteers

A perfect way to discover Christmas spirit and the true meaning of Christmas

LOS ANGELES, Nov. 27, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Next week the USPS Operation Santa program will start offering the public letters to Santa written by underprivileged children -- some from victims of hurricane Sandy. Volunteers may adopt letters and send gifts to the needy kids. The USPS program kicks off December 3 - 6 in Washington DC, Los Angeles and New York, according to a USA Today article. Postal branches in 26 cities will offer Operation Santa, with a few additional branches to join soon.

The public may pick up letters to Santa asking Santa for "a warm coat", "food or clothes" or "shoes for my older brother," written by kids who need a brighter Christmas, and then mail their gifts to the child. It's micro-philanthropy, direct from volunteers to children. Volunteer "Elves" will catch the real spirit of Christmas.

The website BeAnElf.org/ provides the best available information on how to participate in the venerable USPS Operation Santa program. The site lets people know how and where to get letters to Santa, lists participating postal branches, offers photos and tips for gifts like backpacks, school supplies, new clothes, books, and a small gift for Moms, who the site notes are "often single and living below the poverty line." Even the Moms sometimes write Santa.

Some volunteers feel alone and sad over the holidays, and find comfort and inspiration being part of this program. Others have families and bring their kids to teach them the meaning of Christmas. Some give "Elf parties", where guests bring gifts and wrap them together. Companies may adopt multiple letters.

Be An Elf suggests that reporters visit an Operation Santa Room at a participating postal branch, and interview and follow real volunteers. Please mention BeAnElf.org in your story as an excellent resource for volunteers. Our full length news release links to high resolution photos and video.

Volunteers can discover the meaning of Christmas and find the true Christmas spirit – and put smiles on needy children's faces come Christmas morning. Be An Elf was founded by Patrick Reynolds, a volunteer.

Twitter: @Howtobeanelf   YouTube: BeAnElfOrg

SOURCE Be An Elf