There is less than two weeks before Santa trots all over the globe in a single night, but luckily, he is still accepting letters.
South Port Richmond Civic Association is sponsoring two mailboxes for tiny tots to drop off letters for the big guy.
“The letters to Santa box is a way for kids to ‘mail’ letters to Santa and receive a personalized letter back from him,” said John Kalicki, SOPO president.
Adding to the holiday spirit, some randomly selected letters will also contain an undisclosed surprise, according to Kalicki.
Currently, there are two boxes set up.
One is located inside the Richmond Library, 2987 Almond St. The second is inside Sam’s Christmas Land, at the corner of Richmond and Ann streets.
This will be the first time SOPO has sponsored the Santa letter boxes, which were inspired by the Believers on Almond Street Santa mailbox in Bridesburg, according to Kalicki.
Participants should include a return address.
“We’re hoping to get the letters by Monday, Dec. 20, which will allow us to get them back in the mail on Tuesday, which should allow a delivery by Christmas,” Kalicki said. “We do plan to visit the mailboxes multiple times prior, so the earlier we get the letter, the better.”
The library and Sam’s were the perfect pair to spread community cheer, according to Kalicki.
“It seems that the Richmond Library has always been there whenever there is a need in the neighborhood,” he said. “Putting one of the Santa Letter boxes in the library seemed natural, especially given the number of kids and parents who frequent the library.”
Sam’s gives families an opportunity to take care of all Christmas needs in one spot.
“Sam’s Christmas Emporium also seemed like a natural [selection],” Kalicki added. “Buy your tree and decorations from a local small business that always gives back to the neighborhood and drop off your letter to Santa at the same time.”
Regardless of which box kids choose to drop off their letters, SOPO hopes to make Christmas just a little more merry and bright.
“The goals are to bring joy and laughter to the community by making Christmas just a little bit more special for the children in the neighborhood, give back to the community, and let people know about the South Port Richmond Civic Association,” Kalicki said. ••
For more details on the SOPO Letters to Santa initiative, follow South Port Richmond Civic Association #sopo on Facebook.
