Letters to Santa Show the Mental Toll COVID-19 Has Taken on Kids

This year’s letters to Santa show that the kids are not alright.

A recent review of this year’s letters, part of the Post Office’s annual Operation Santa program, shows that the pandemic may have taken a bigger toll than previously realized on kids’ mental health.

In one letter, Nathan wrote, “For Christmas I would like to not wear a mask.” Jasmyne’s letter says, “end of covid,” while Jonah wishes for a cure to COVID-19. According to CNN, his letter says, “Dear Santa, I don’t want anything for Christmas, but I would like to ask you if you can do me a favor: Can you please find a cure for Covid-19 and give it to us to save the world. Thank you." Jonathan would like a mask for Christmas.

Over 10,000 notes have been received Kimberly Frum, spokeswoman for the USPS, told the outlet in an email. “2020 has seen its share of challenges affecting individuals and families in so many ways. Covid-19 resulted in job losses, temporary unemployment and sadly, the loss of family and friends. The program has always been about providing holiday gifts for families who may not have the means to provide for anything more than basic everyday needs. This year, there are likely more families impacted financially and emotionally.”

The Operation Santa program began in 1912 with the mission of answering letters addressed to the North Pole and Santa. In 2017, the efforts to answer the letters became digital and people all across the country were able to help the kids in getting their wishes.

Volunteers can adopt a letter, buy gifts and deliver them to their local post office. From there, the office will match the gifts to the letter and send them to the child’s address. The website will be posting letters through December 15 this year. To learn more about how you can help, visit USPSOperationSanta.com.

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