NBC’s “Today” will shine a spotlight on Operation Santa this week.
The daily news show is slated to air a segment on the Postal Service holiday program Friday, Dec. 16, sometime between 10-11 a.m.
Hoda Kotb, a “Today” co-host, taped the segment last week at the James A. Farley Post Office in New York City.
“It’s thrilling to see our much beloved program receive this honor,” Customer Relations Coordinator Gail Branham said.
Through Operation Santa, USPS employees, customers and groups help people in need by “adopting” their letters to St. Nick and granting their holiday wishes. The program began more than 100 years ago.
The “Today” segment will show Kotb and a group of children reading letters and wrapping and mailing gifts.
Branham, who serves as the program’s “chief elf” in New York City, said she hopes the segment will inspire others to participate in Operation Santa, which is available in communities across the nation.
“This is such a special time of year when people are kinder to one another and seeking ways to do good deeds,” she said. “Operation Santa is a perfect opportunity to give a person some much needed hope.”
The USPS Holiday Newsroom site has more information about Operation Santa.