But for the small group of Washington County volunteers, the mission is the same as the jolly old elf’s to deliver holiday cheer.
They are part of Operation Santa Claus, a project that provides gifts to adolescents and adults at the Thomas B. Finan Center in Cumberland, Md.
Local volunteer Curt Miller said the project began in 1965 with the goal of spreading the holiday spirit to individuals at mental health treatment facilities who otherwise might not be remembered.
It is an undertaking of The Mental Health Association of Maryland, Washington County Branch (a volunteer organization), and Turning Point of Washington County Inc.
Miller, who is chairman of the local MHA, is the director of public relations at Brook Lane and said his involvement was a natural fit.
“It also is a rewarding one, knowing you are brightening the lives of others,” he said.
“We’re a very small group of volunteers and we operate on a shoestring,” Miller noted. “But we work to make it happen.”
Miller said plans for the project began several months ago when fliers were sent to organizations and churches “who often adopt us and bring in donations.”
“We’ve always been blessed with great community support,” he said. “After all these years, many people are aware of Operation Santa Claus and want to help.”
But Miller knows that the tight economy can play havoc with donations, even during the Christmas season.
What do the U.S. Postal Service and Santa Claus have in common? Neither rain nor snow nor heat nor gloom of night will keep them from delivering dreams this holiday season.
"While Santa's been making wishes come true a bit longer than the Postal Service, for more than two centuries he's relied almost exclusively on postal employees to bring him letters from boys and girls around the country and to help him deliver their presents," Postmaster General Patrick Donahoe states.
Operation Santa Claus offers individuals or organizations an opportunity to obtain access to Santa letters written by local children. After completing an application and providing photo ID, letters will be provided with any identification of the child or their address obliterated. Each applicant will be asked to fulfill as many of the child's wishes 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 ten letters.
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