Pennsylvania Mail Carrier Replies To Nine-Year-Old Boy's Letter Asking Santa For Food And Clothing

Oct 09, 2020

Santa Claus is known around the world as the bringer of joy at Christmas time, but sometimes even Santa needs a special helper. In Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania, that helper was a mail carrier at the local post office, who went out of her way to grant a little boy’s Christmas wish last holiday season.

Like most post offices, the Bloomsburg Post Office collects children's letters to Santa Claus each year at Christmas time, safely ensuring that they reach the North Pole. Going through the dozens of letters at the post-office bound for Santa, 27-year-old carrier Melissa Stinsman noticed a special letter that made her heart skip a beat.

Melissa enjoys going through the children’s letters, answering them with words of encouragement and kindness. Among Melissa’s most common responses are for children to commit to their studies and always listen to their parents. Upon reading this one letter, however, Melissa knew that she needed to do something more than offer words of encouragement.

Speaking with Yahoo Lifestyle, Melissa said that the letter included eight items and was written by a 9-year-old boy. While most kids his age ask for the latest electronic devices, Melissa was heartbroken to see that the boy’s Christmas list included essentials like food and clothing. In a note attached to the list, the boy pleaded with Santa for help, reminding Father Christmas that he didn’t visit his family’s house last year.

“Dear Santa, last year you didn’t notice me," the boy wrote according to Yahoo,"so I hope this year you notice me, and this year I will be good. I pinkie promise...” 

After reading the letter, Melissa knew that she had to help the boy and his family. While the child included his full name, he didn’t attach his address. Asking around the Bloomsburg Post Office, Melissa was able to track down the family with the help of her colleagues.

When Melissa knocked on the family’s door, she was met by the boy’s mom. Explaining to her that she had read her son’s letter, Melissa told her that she would like to help her family this Christmas. Speaking with reporters from local station WNEP, Melissa said that the boy’s mother was glad to accept her help as they shared a tearful embrace in the rain.

Melissa then proceeded to go around the community asking for donations on the family’s behalf. When all was said and done, Melissa collected over $500. The postal carrier was also able to collect other items, such as food, clothing, and toys. Melissa gave the family several gift cards to the local grocery store so that they would be able to make a great Christmas dinner. The rest of the items she plans on delivering on Christmas Eve.

Melissa hopes that the children won’t see her when she arrives so that they can credit the donated items to the work of Santa Claus. While praised as a hero for all that she did, Melissa says that she was overjoyed to have helped the family make their Christmas special.

What do you think of Melissa’s efforts on behalf of the family? Let us know in the comments — and make sure you pass this along to your friends and family!