Direct to Santa: Downtown Arlington Collaborates with the US Postal Service to Host Santa's Mailbox

The jolly old elf is a traditionalist, so if you know a child who wants to reach out to Santa Claus, the best thing you can do is teach her or him how to write an old-fashioned letter (see below for tips). When that letter is signed, sealed and stamped, your child can now deliver it to a special Santa’s Mailbox right in the heart of Downtown Arlington!

In collaboration with the U.S. Postal Service, a bright red mailbox has been installed at the Arlington Main Post Office, 300 E. South Street in Downtown. Now through December 23, 2020, families are encouraged to bring their children for a fun photo while dropping in their letters to Santa.
 

Calling All Elves: Operation Santa   

There’s another way you can get involved with Santa’s Mailbox in Downtown Arlington and mailboxes around the country. Letters addressed to Santa’s 123 ELF ROAD address and postmarked by December 15 are automatically routed to the USPS Operation Santa program, a nationwide effort to respond to the hundreds of thousands of letters sent to Santa from children and families annually. Operation Santa makes it possible for individuals and organizations to adopt the letter writers and send responses and thoughtful gifts in Santa’s place.

Operation Santa runs from December 4 – 19, and the volunteer process is simple:

•    Kids write letters to Santa's special address and USPS receives them.
•    The USPS redacts personal information and publish the letters online.
•    Generous people “adopt” and fulfill them.
•    Adopters ship gifts. Holiday wishes are delivered!

Visit the Operation Santa volunteer page to learn more.
 

How to Write to Santa (and other VIPs)   

Yes, the USPS has Santa’s mailing address! On the Operation Santa site, you’ll also find a Letter Writing Kit with a simple tutorial on how to properly address an envelope, basic format of a letter (salutation, signature, and everything in between) and sample letters.
 

Share Your Elfies with Downtown Arlington   

Whether you’re in Downtown Arlington shopping for that perfect gift or helping your child mail her or his special letter to Santa, be sure to take an elfie and tag us! @dtArlington 


Special shout out to Harper (pictured above mailing her letter) and her Mom for suggesting Santa's Mailbox to us!

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