Councilmembers Thank Postal Workers for Gifts to Needy Children

Councilmembers LaBonge and Perry flank Los Angeles Postmaster Mark Anderson with members of the Operation Santa volunteer operation. District Manager Ed Ruiz is second from right.

Councilmembers Jan Perry and Tom LaBonge reminded Los Angeles parents today that letters to Santa will be answered this year.
During a visit to Operation Santa Headquarters in downtown Los Angeles, the Councilmembers met with and thanked U.S. Postal Service employees who have volunteered to reply to children who send letters to Santa Claus, via the North Pole. The replies include sending the requested gifts for needy children.
“Because you are volunteering to give your time to the children of Los Angeles, you are saying, ‘Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus,’” Councilmember LaBonge said, quoting the classic holiday film, “Miracle on 34th Street.” “The work you’re doing is in the true holiday spirit of giving.”
The U.S. Postal Service had announced changes earlier this year to its Operation Santa program, which answers children’s letters to Santa. It was reported in some places that the letters would go unanswered. The Councilmembers and postal service want to assure the public that in Los Angeles, postal employees have indeed volunteered to answer the letters on their own time.
"I applaud the commitment of our local Postal workers. They are embracing the spirit of giving back this holiday season and offering joy to the young people who write to Santa each year," said Councilwoman Jan Perry.
Besides the many postal service employees who answer letters to Santa, District Manager Ed Ruiz, Senior Plant Manager Daryl West, and Los Angeles Postmaster Mark Anderson were also on hand.
"We are very proud of our employees, who care about the communities they serve," said Los Angeles District Manager Ed Ruiz. "As they have been doing for nearly 100 years, postal employees will once again be volunteering their own time to reply to letters addressed to Santa."