Abstract

A collaborative project that involves RSVP volunteers, post office staff, elementary school teachers, and after-school programs provides a way for children to write to Santa Claus and get a reply by Christmas Day. The project, which started in 1989, provides 300-1500 letters per year.

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Issue

The general mail facility for Knoxville, Tennessee, received hundreds of letters to Santa Claus each year.

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Action

Every year, RSVP volunteers in Knoxville, Tennessee, help "Santa Claus" answer his mail. The letters are delivered to RSVP volunteers at a subsidized housing complex with the help of the local post office. The volunteers read each letter, screen them for special needs, and send a personalized letter from Santa to each child. Effective practices include the following:

• The project generally begins 15 days before Christmas Day to allow two weekends for the letter-writing opportunity and time to get a reply letter delivered to the children.
  
  
• The main post office takes letters addressed to Santa to the volunteers at the housing complex every day beginning the second week in December.
  
  
• Articles are printed in the local newspaper, and local television stations run public service announcements to remind parents that it's time to write a letter to Santa Claus.
  
  
• Announcements should stress the importance of a return address on the letter to Santa.
  
  
• Some teachers make this an opportunity for a letter-writing lesson.
  
  
• The volunteers reply with a generic letter that has been written by post office staff and printed on stationery with Santa's picture. The RSVP volunteers write in the name of the child to personalize the letter and address the envelope.
  
  
• Every child who sends a letter to Santa receives a personalized letter from Santa.

If special needs are identified, a postal carrier familiar with the patron checks into the situation and provides a referral to a community or faith-based service organization. For example, a child might ask Santa for gasoline for the car so his or her mother can get to work.

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Context

Founded in 1791 where the French Broad and Holston Rivers converge to form the Tennessee River, Knoxville is the largest city in East Tennessee and ranks third largest in the state.

The General Mail Facility for Knoxville, Tennessee, provides service to 16 counties.

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Outcome

The Write-Hand Helpers program began in 1989 and provides from 300-1500 letters from Santa each year.

• Children receive a letter from Santa.
• The post office receives positive recognition.
• Senior volunteers gain satisfaction helping children.
• Parents witness the volunteering spirit.

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Posted On

November 6, 2001

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For More Information

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Related Practices

• Sharing holiday traditions and diversity at an in-service training

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Related sites

Brighten up the holidays with cross-curriculum activities

Topic Areas

• Community building
• Intergenerational
• Community partnerships
• Partnerships
• Senior Corps
• Volunteer
• RSVP
• Human needs

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