Christmas volunteers can't easily locate US Postal Service's "Operation Letters to Santa" postal branches

NEW YORK, Dec. 5, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- There's plenty of news coverage this week about the wonderful USPS Operation Letters to Santa program, but it can be difficult for volunteers to locate participating postal branches, even at USPS.com. Operation Letters to Santa launches in New York City on December 5^th.

www.BeAnElf.org is a much-needed resource to let the public know how and where they can volunteer for Operation Santa. A list of participating postal branches is easy to find at the site, along with hours of operation.

This year, on its 100th anniversary the Postal Service is offering letters to Santa from underprivileged children in over 25 cities. Volunteers may "adopt" letters asking Santa Claus for "a warm coat," "food or clothes" or "shoes for my older brother," clearly written by kids who need a brighter Christmas, and then mail their gifts.

But online searches for "Operation Santa," even of the USPS website, do not result in a list of participating branches, so people in most cities are unable to learn where to volunteer or how to participate.

BeAnElf.org is a welcome guide to Operation Santa. The website has an easy to find list of participating postal branches, offers photos and tips for gifts for needy kids, such as backpacks and school supplies, and suggests a small gift for Moms, who the site notes are "often single and living below the poverty line."

Some volunteers feel alone and sad over the holidays, and find comfort 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.

BeAnElf.org hopes that reporters will include a mention, so the public can easily learn where their nearest postal branch is. The site is an excellent resource for anyone wanting  to volunteer.

Be An Elf is a non-profit group founded by Patrick Reynolds. As noted on the home page,  "There's no middle man or charity. It's micro-philanthropy, direct from you to a child, when you volunteer in this way. You'll catch the true spirit of the holidays, and put smiles on the faces of needy kids on Christmas morning."

SOURCE Be An Elf