With Christmas just weeks away, the United States Post Office is kicking off its annual Operation Santa letter adoption, but for the first time, the 108-year-old program is going online coast to coast.
The program was created in 1912 as a way for Americans to give back to the less fortunate. Strangers can "adopt" a letter that a child has written to Santa listing what they would like to receive under the Christmas tree this year for making it onto the jolly ol' fellow's Good List.
Adults and families can also write in requests to be fulfilled by anonymous St. Nicks.
"There's a lot of people that need help every year and that's what this program is all about: is to try to help people who may not necessarily be able to provide holiday gifts for their families," Kim Frum, senior public relations representative at USPS, told Cheddar.
This year, the program's virtual presence has been expanded but not because of the ongoing pandemic. Three years ago New York City acted as a pilot city to test the program's ability to flourish online. After a successful run, the agency expanded the test program to seven U.S. cities. Now it's' going nationwide.
"People write letters from all over the country and they send the letters to 123 Elf Road, North Pole, 88888. It's a legitimate address. I promise you, and it does get delivered," Frum said.
For parents with reservations about random people having your kid's information, USPS has you covered. Once postal workers open the letters, they redact "any personally identifiable information."
"The safety of these letter writers is of the utmost importance," Frum noted.
Ahead of National Dog Day on Saturday, Alina Hauptman from Best Friends Animal Society joined Cheddar News to discuss adopting a dog from a shelter and what the organization is doing to help pets that have survived the Maui fires.
Jack Dunn, bartender at Great Jones Distilling Co. in Manhattan, spoke with Cheddar News about the history of the whiskey sour and the process involved in making it.
Today is National Whiskey Sour Day and Cheddar News is celebrating! Michelle Castillo spoke with Celina Perez, head distiller at Great Jones Distilling Co. in Manhattan, to discuss how the business got started with a state-of-the-art operation and the process involved in making their fine whiskey drinks.
After decades in the ring, a Connecticut man is celebrating after obtaining his first boxing title, thanks to his wife who had a personal battle of her own and guided him.
A Jersey Shore man has painted sea shells -- nearly 500 of them -- to raise awareness around epilepsy that have traveled as far as Asia and Australia.
Joe Biden and Donald Trump are the most likely nominees for the 2024 presidential election, but you won't see many new books about either this fall. A Barnes & Noble official says there's “an exhaustion of interest" in political titles right now, even in books about Trump, Biden's immediate predecessor in the White House.
Starbucks’ Pumpkin Spice Latte goes on sale Thursday in the U.S. and Canada, as it does each year when the nights start getting longer and the fall winds gather.
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A man in Georgia set a Guinness World Record for having the most Batman memorabilia.
Cheddar News explores how you can enjoy a more affordable getaway while staying local. The TWA Hotel at JFK Airport in New York City offers a day getaway with convenience and nostalgia as added ingredients.
