Dec 2, 2008 6:56 pm US/Central
'Dear Santa' Letters Reflect Awful Economy
Children, Parents Begging Big Man In Red For Anything That Will Get Them Through These Tough Times
U.S. Postal Service Expected To Receive 500,000 Letters
NEW YORK (AP) ―
The letters begin with a familiar salutation: "Dear Santa."
But the circumstances that bring the often heartrending requests -- as many as a half million of them -- to New York City's main post office tend to be anything but ordinary.
"My sister and I try not to ask for anything," says a girl who wrote to Santa at the suggestion of her teacher. "My little brother is only 4, so he doesn't really understand."
A woman named Cindy pleads for children's clothing and groceries, writing: "I'm crying out. Please help me." Her 6-year-old is depressed -- his father apparently has died. "He thinks that his dad will come in the door any day now."
The U.S. Postal Service, which asked that the writers' last names not be published, is continuing its tradition of making the letters available for the public to answer. More than 100,000 already have arrived -- and another 400,000 are expected. They come from throughout the U.S., and even other countries.
Ingrid, who is caring for two birth children as well as four others she hopes to adopt, has been in remission for three months after a long battle with cancer. "All of them have great grades and they work very hard," writes Ingrid's sister. "I am asking you to give this family a good holiday."
"My mom is a hardworking woman. She always cares for us," 14-year-old Sarinem assures Santa. But money is tight and her 6-month-old brother, "a very special child," needs surgery. "I wish he would be able to enjoy the presence of a toy."
An 8-year-old Bronx boy named Edgar says he waited but Santa never showed up last year.
His letter says his dad doesn't make enough money to buy things for the family. He says he wants coats, clothes and shoes so he and his brother can go to school during the winter.
Operation Santa Claus opened Tuesday and runs until Dec. 24.
Santa's helpers can choose a letter in person at the James A. Farley post office. Companies and organizations also can help.
(© 2010 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)
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