'Operation Santa' Volunteers Sort Through Gift Requests From Around The City

NEW YORK(CBSNewYork) -- Operation Santa volunteers at the post office on 33rd and 8th were on a mission Tuesday, as they sorted through requests from the five boroughs, hoping to make it a merrier Christmas for all.

As CBS2's Emily Smith reported, close to 3,000 wrapped packages will be sent, thanks to the help of local businesses and individual volunteers assisting the North Pole.

Michael Munoz left his elf gear at home, but said he'd been sent by Santa.

"We picked up three letters and went on a shopping extravaganza, and bought a ton of toys, and clothes, and we are getting ready to put them in boxes and ship them off," he said.

Other elves pitching in said it seems there is an influx of requests for basic supplies and food, this year.

"Some years they have specific toys they want, but this year they are just asking for anything," Kristin Camping said.

Juan Daniels said his mother is unemployed, and his father is in jail. He would like extra-large clothes.

"If I will be receiving clothes these are my sizes, and these are my sister's sizes. I hope this letter find you in good health," he wrote.

Some of the letters are sad, and some are funny.

"My brother said there's no such thing as Santa. Please tell me if you're real, yes or no!" one girl wrote.

Whatever the nature of the Christmas wish you can be sure all are read and handled with care.

It's not too late to sign up, you can help out until 4 p.m. on Wednesday.

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

Operation Santa

421 8th Avenue

NY, NY, 10199