TAMPA, Fla. -- They come in by the hundreds and each letter to Santa is unique.
Like busy elves in Santa’s workshop, these two U.S. Postal Service employees put pen to paper.
“Sometimes we call, sometimes we email, we’ll text if it’s necessary but any way we can get to him we do,” said Elisa Sanchez-Torres, about getting in touch with Santa.
They follow precise instructions from Mr. Claus himself when they respond to the overflow of letters that come in from boys and girls in the Tampa Bay area.
“It’s an amazing feeling to be able to keep it alive, keep the joy alive,” Sanchez-Torres said.
She and Emma Rivera wait all year to help Santa even though the letters begin to arrive in the summer from kids who are equally excited.
"I think they want to get a head start,” Rivera said laughing.
Some kids include a magic key to let Santa know he’s gotta use the front door because there’s no fireplace.
“Only Santa knows how to use that key,” said Rivera.
They reach each letter with extreme attention. Some make them laugh.
“I’m very sorry for hitting my little brother this whole year but can I still get presents?” Sanchez-Torres smiled as she read the letter out loud.
Others make them think deeply.
“This one is from Amber — what I really want is for my dad to come home. I love my dad, please bring him home,” said Sanchez-Torres.
“Dear Santa, I would like for my mom to not have cancer anymore,” said Rivera as she read the letter. “So that was touching.”
They can’t respond to them all because some don’t have return addresses but they say Santa knows. He’s always listening.
“It’s all about believing,” said Sanchez-Torres.
