'Operation Santa' Kicks Off For 104th Year In New York City

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- The United States Postal Service is kicking off it's 104th annual "Operation Santa" event, and they're looking for elves to help fulfill the holiday wishes they get in letters to Santa.

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The holiday season program allows charity organizations and donors to help fulfill the wishes of children and families in need throughout the season.

Some letters tug at the heart strings, WCBS 880's Marla Diamond reported.

"Dear Santa, my name is Arianna, a single mother of a 5-year-old boy and another on the way coming very soon," one letter received by the James A. Farley Post Office Building on Eighth Avenue, read. "I lost my job due to being very sick during my pregnancy."

"Here's my wishlist. Barbie dollhouse, play kitchen, clothing 3-T for the 3-year-old and food for my mom," another read.

Gail Branham, known as the Chief Elf at the Postal Service, is appealing for helpers to make Christmas dreams a reality.

"You know, it just solidifies what every child believes, that there's hope," Brennan said.

Postal workers and many charitable New Yorkers help to make these wishes come true.

"It kind of makes you reflect, you see these people and what they need, and it's not really all about what you want for Christmas," one woman said.

Branham says the Postal Service received over 100,000 letters to Santa last year.

If you would like to write to Santa, you can reach him at:

Operation Santa

421 8th Avenue

NY, NY, 10199

'Operation Santa' runs from Dec. 6 - 23. To find out more information or to make a donation, click here.