Gothamist: Operation Santa is Back

mellyrose

Thu, 04 Dec 2008 11:59:23 -0500

This is the 2nd year I'm doing this through my company, and I've seen hundreds of letters come through. The truth is, maybe 50% of them are truly heartbreaking and genuine - Little kids with general requests asking for warm jackets, socks and school supplies; Single mothers asking for a high chair and adding that they want nothing for themselves, just a place for their baby to eat. These are the letters I choose, as I know they are in need and will be truly grateful. Then, there are the others. 17 year old kids with a list of what are practically demands: I want an iPhone, Timberlands (SIZE 11) and a Wii with extra controllers. Ummmm, yeah. I'd LOVE a Wii, too - but I can't even afford it. This is an outreach program for people in need. If you are in need, I would think you'd have other priorities before considering an iPhone a necessity. So, like Smitty said, if you do have even an extra $20 to spend at Old Navy for some gloves and a hat, or crayons and toy cars at Duane Reade, try to pick up a letter. Just think about the smile you can put on a little kid's face.

smitty

Wed, 03 Dec 2008 10:36:38 -0500

I just looked at the NY Cares list, they have 4,600 letters left if anyone has an extra $20 or so to spend this holiday.

smitty

Wed, 03 Dec 2008 10:33:40 -0500

I do Winter Wishes through NY Cares...they screen the people and I believe get the letters from agencies so you know the children are in need.

Jen Chung

Tue, 02 Dec 2008 23:15:46 -0500

@ab bklyn--that is amazing and inspiring. @mxungu--I'm not sure, but I suspect the letters are from kids who want gifts (the letters being to Santa and all). Maybe you can go to the post office to read letters and see? And perhaps you can pick a child who isn't asking for expensive gadgets and is asking for simple things.

mzungu

Tue, 02 Dec 2008 23:06:41 -0500

i mean write the letters to the kids who ask for the crazy stuff

mzungu

Tue, 02 Dec 2008 23:05:45 -0500

do you have to buy gifts or can you just answer letterS? i know that's ghetto of me, but i'd be happy to write some sweet letters of gooey goodness, i just can't be supplying iphones and wii's. maybe i could write letters to those crazy kids and leave the shopping to people who've already paid their rent? seriously, anyone know?

ab_bklyn

Tue, 02 Dec 2008 22:42:53 -0500

We did this as a group at my office a few years ago. We selected a letter in which an 8 year old boy needed a new bed because his had broken and he had to share a bed with his 11 year old brother in a room with his 2 year old sister. We found his family in the phone book, confirmed his address and had a new mattress and bedframe delivered from Sleepy's a few days before Christmas. We also got him and his siblings lots of warm clothes. There are lots of kids out there who don't get much of a Christmas or even have the things they need to get to school every day in the cold. It's really nice to help them out this time of year.

Jen Chung

Tue, 02 Dec 2008 22:12:52 -0500

Thanks, theevilone.

theevilone

Tue, 02 Dec 2008 20:06:14 -0500

NYCares still needs people too: The holiday season is quickly approaching, but 4,600 of the children and teens who wrote letters this year requesting a gift for the holidays still need volunteers to purchase gifts for them. Please share your goodwill and register as a Winter Wish Maker by December 5 to help ensure every gift request is answered. http://www.nycares.org/winterwishes/

felixthecat

Tue, 02 Dec 2008 19:45:09 -0500

Jen C. is such a good girl

Jen Chung

Tue, 02 Dec 2008 17:42:21 -0500

I try to pick out the kids who ask for practical items like coats, towels, shoes, blankets, diapers for little siblings, etc. --and get those items (or as much as I can) plus add a toy. Those are the kids that need a little holiday spirit. I once got a girl who asked for Nintendo DS. I didn't get her that, but I did get her a Dora the Explorer toy, plus some sneakers.

west side Michael

Tue, 02 Dec 2008 17:38:31 -0500

My little 9 yr.old grand Niece said she "wants a an Iphone". I think i will ask her to write a" Santa"in NYC.

chuzzlewit

Tue, 02 Dec 2008 17:34:43 -0500

satan will hook you up with some threads - you gotta give him something in exchange, but nothin's free, right?