Fort Myers Florida Post Office Operation Santa

The downtown Fort Myers, Florida post office is participating in Operation Santa Claus for the first time this year.

Starting Friday, December 9, 2011 local residents and businesses can help children’s wishes come true by visiting the post office at 1350 Monroe St., Fort Myers.

“Postal Elves” go through the letters to Santa Claus and sort out those that express serious need.

After completing an application and providing photo ID, local individuals see the letters and choose a child to adopt. Any identification of the child or his/her address is obliterated.

“They can choose a local family or they can choose somebody from (another city),” said Lee County postal service spokeswoman Debra Mitchell, adding she’s received two letters from The Bronx in New York City. “We’re on a list of 75 cities participating.”

Each applicant is asked to buy as many of the gifts requested in the letter as possible.

They will be required to return to the downtown Fort Myers post office with the wrapped presents boxed and ready to mail to the child’s parents. Each applicant will be required to pay postage to mail the box and the return address will be Operation Santa – North Pole.

Local businesses are encouraged to participate in Operation Santa Claus. Businesses can designate a representative and choose up to 10 letters.

For more information about Operation Santa Claus or to obtain the forms required to participate, email debra.j.mitchell@usps.com or call 239-573-9638.