Not-so-jolly economy changes tone of Santa letters

Raleigh, N.C. — It is the season that inspires letters to Santa Claus about toys, dolls and video games. This year, however, Saint Nicholas is reading letters that are a sign of tough economic times.

Five million pieces of mail pass thorough the U.S. Postal Service Distribution Center in Raleigh every day. This time of the year, the North Pole sub-station is a hot destination, with 4,000 letters so far being sent to Santa.

Santa's helpers are helping him read the letters and say this year, it is not just about fun items. Some letters ask Santa for a jacket, shoes and a job for mom.

“Instead of the toys, we have more of the ones that will touch your heart a little bit,” said Sherry McGowan, with the U.S. Postal Service.

One letter addressed to Santa reads, “We have seen our mother crying because she cannot give us anything. It hurts us we have to see her like this."

“I’m writing this letter to you for a miracle,” another Santa letter says.

For many children, 2008 has been a tough year.

“I think with the economy the way it is, it has brought our children into the adult world and our finances,” Santa helper Donna Crawford said.

The postal service says it is not too late to send a letter to Santa, but you have to hurry.

Send letters to:

North Pole Sub-Station

P.O. Box 9995

Raleigh, N.C. 27676-9995

Also, remember to include your mailing address so Santa can write back.

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Latest Comments

I hope the coats I donated to 'Coats for the Children' (wonder if these will go to adults too?) will go to folks like this...How can we help?

God Bless

giterdungirl
December 18, 2008 10:18 a.m.

I would also like to help the kids in the letters. Maybe a jacket or shoes, Christmas or not, they need jackets and shoes.

rosted
December 18, 2008 8:48 a.m.

The past few years my father has dressed up like Santa on Christmas morning and delivered toys to children down the road that are not as fortunate as my family is. Even though they know it is not the "real" Santa, the look in their eyes and the smiles on their faces would touch even the coldest of hearts. one year, Christmas was on a Saturday and my parents had bought the little girl a nice dress. That Sunday morning they were at church and she was wearing that dress and she was so proud of it. Giving is truly ten times better than receiving. Even in tough times we should all still try to help out how we can for those that are less fortunate.

And even if these children don't get their mom a new job from Santa, something from the jolly man is better than feeling as if he has "skipped" over their house completely.

IBleedRedandWhite
December 18, 2008 8:19 a.m.

colliedave- RIGHT ON! Some people are raising their children these days to EXPECT things. We need to raise our children to EARN things.

That being said, it is sad that threre are children do not get anything. I used to be one of those children and because of my experiences, I truly appreciate the value of a dollar and am much better off because of it. So while it may be a hard lesson for them now, it will help them later in life... and maybe we can get some people in this world who want to work hard to earn things again.

food4thought
December 18, 2008 8:05 a.m.

So, you have children with so much faith and they write these letters to Santa Claus (because they have been told he is real) and then they get no answer, no shoes and no job for mom...wonder how they feel about Santa after that? There was a recent debate on GOLO about whether you should tell your child there IS REALLY a Santa Claus. To me, this is a good reason not to.