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USPS Operation Santa Opens for 113th Year, Inviting Letters and Adopters to Spread Holiday Joy
USPS Operation Santa 2025: The U.S. Postal Service’s 2025 Operation Santa program launches with new family letter options, allowing multiple wishes in one submission. An expanded gift catalog enhances participation, promoting holiday generosity and connecting families in need with caring adopters. Key dates are provided.
Last Updated on October 12, 2025 by Daily News Staff
The U.S. Postal Service launches its beloved holiday program with new family letter option and expanded gift catalog to help more households this season.
A Century-Old Tradition Returns for Another Holiday Season
The U.S. Postal Service has officially opened its 2025 USPS Operation Santa program, marking the 113th year of a cherished tradition that connects children and families in need with generous adopters who help make their holiday wishes come true.
Starting September 15, families across the country can begin writing and submitting letters to Santa Claus through the program. What began over a century ago continues to serve as a bridge between hope and generosity, bringing communities together during the holiday season.
“For more than a century, USPS Operation Santa has brought communities together to make the holidays brighter,” said Sheila Holman, USPS marketing vice president. “Each year, we receive far more letters than we have adopters, and this year we want to change that.”
Expanding Impact with Family Letter Adoptions
This year introduces a significant program enhancement designed to help more people at once. Participants can now adopt family letters, allowing them to fulfill wishes for multiple people within a single household rather than just one individual.
The addition addresses a persistent challenge: the program consistently receives more letters than it has adopters to fulfill them. By enabling adopters to help entire families through one letter, USPS Operation Santa aims to close that gap and bring holiday joy to more households across America.
For families writing letters, this means parents can include wishes for multiple children or household members in a single submission, streamlining the process while potentially increasing their chances of having wishes fulfilled.
Streamlined Fulfillment Through Enhanced Gift Catalog
Building on last year’s introduction of an online gift catalog, the 2025 program features a significantly expanded selection with thousands of items available. The catalog was designed to make the adoption and fulfillment process more convenient for participants who want to help but may not have time for traditional shopping and shipping.
When letter adoption opens on November 17, adopters will be able to browse the expanded catalog, select gifts that match letter writers’ wishes, and ship directly through the platform. This streamlined approach removes logistical barriers that might otherwise prevent people from participating in the program.
The enhanced catalog represents USPS’s commitment to modernizing the program while maintaining its heartfelt mission of connecting generous individuals with families who need support during the holidays.
Important Dates and How to Participate
For Letter Writers:
- Letters can be submitted now through December 6
- All letters must be postmarked by Dec. 6 to be eligible for adoption
- Program guidelines and submission details are available at USPSOperationSanta.com
For Adopters:
- Letter adoption opens November 17
- Participants can browse letters and select individuals or families to help
- Gifts can be purchased and shipped through the expanded online catalog
Complete program guidelines, including detailed instructions for both writing and adopting letters, are available on the official website.
Conclusion
As USPS Operation Santa enters its 113th year, the program continues evolving to serve more families while maintaining the community spirit that has defined it for over a century. The introduction of family letter adoptions and the expanded gift catalog represent thoughtful improvements designed to increase participation on both sides—making it easier for families to ask for help and simpler for generous adopters to provide it.
With thousands of letters expected and the ongoing gap between submissions and adopters, the Postal Service is encouraging anyone interested in spreading holiday cheer to visit USPSOperationSanta.com and consider adopting a letter this season. Whether helping one child or an entire family, participants become part of a tradition that has brightened holidays for generations of Americans.
For more information about USPS Operation Santa, visit USPSOperationSanta.com.
SOURCE U.S. Postal Service
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The Knowledge
Metrolink Offers Fare-Free Rides for Earth Day 2026 Across Southern California
Metrolink offers fare-free rides for Earth Day 2026 across Southern California, encouraging sustainable travel and reduced emissions.
Last Updated on April 21, 2026 by Daily News Staff
Metrolink Offers Fare-Free Rides for Earth Day 2026
LOS ANGELES — April 22, 2026 — In a continued push toward sustainable transportation, Metrolink will once again offer systemwide free rides on Earth Day, inviting commuters and travelers to leave their cars behind and explore a cleaner way to move across the region.
A One-Day Opportunity to Ride Free
On Wednesday, April 22, passengers can board any Metrolink train — including the Arrow service — without purchasing a ticket. The initiative is part of the broader celebration of Earth Day, encouraging environmentally conscious travel choices.
The fare-free program is designed to appeal to both regular riders and first-time users, particularly those navigating Southern California’s persistent traffic congestion and rising fuel costs.
Encouraging Sustainable Travel Habits
“Earth Day is a reminder that small changes, like choosing public transit over driving one day a week, can have a meaningful impact on our environment,” said Doug Chaffee, chair of the Metrolink Board.
With gas prices continuing to strain household budgets, the agency hopes the initiative will inspire more residents to consider rail as part of their regular commute.
Regional Connections Expand Access
Metrolink’s Earth Day promotion aligns with similar efforts by other Southern California transit providers. Riders can seamlessly connect to services operated by: LA Metro and the Orange County Transportation Authority, Riverside County Transportation Commission, San Bernardino County Transportation Authority and Ventura County Transportation Commission.
These partnerships extend the reach of fare-free travel across a six-county region, making it easier for riders to explore destinations without relying on personal vehicles.
Service Adjustments and Rider Tips
Passengers should note that trains will operate on a reduced weekday schedule, implemented earlier this spring. Despite the adjustment, all Metrolink lines and station cities remain in service.
For those planning a trip:
- No ticket is required — simply board the train
- Bikes are welcome, with capacity ranging from three bikes per standard car to nine in designated bike cars
- A curated destination guide highlights attractions within walking or biking distance of stations
Environmental and Economic Impact
Metrolink is also promoting its Personal Impact Calculator, a digital tool that allows riders to estimate how switching from driving to rail can reduce greenhouse gas emissions and lower fuel expenses.
A Broader Trend in Public Transit
Fare-free transit days have gained traction nationwide as agencies look to boost ridership and promote sustainability. Southern California’s expansive commuter rail network makes it particularly well-suited for such initiatives, offering a viable alternative to one of the country’s most car-dependent regions.
Bottom Line
Metrolink’s Earth Day promotion is more than a one-day free ride — it’s a strategic effort to shift commuter behavior, reduce environmental impact, and showcase the convenience of regional rail. For Southern Californians, April 22 presents a low-risk opportunity to rethink how they travel.
Source: Metrolink
https://metrolinktrains.com/news/metrolink-goes-fare-free-for-earth-day-on-april-22
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Money Management: The Importance of Financial Literacy
You may have mastered the core subjects like math and grammar in school, but financial literacy – or understanding the basics of money management in order to help you make better financial decisions – often goes overlooked before adulthood. It’s not so much a course of study as it is a plan of action. When you understand how to earn, save, spend and invest wisely, you aren’t just building a stable future for yourself, but your family and community as well.
(Feature Impact) You may have mastered the core subjects like math and grammar in school, but financial literacy – or understanding the basics of money management in order to help you make better financial decisions – often goes overlooked before adulthood. It’s not so much a course of study as it is a plan of action.
Financial literacy in the United States has remained stagnant at generally low levels for several years, according to research from TIAA Institute and the Global Financial Literacy Excellence Center, with even lower levels among Gen Z. Yet greater financial literacy – including key aspects such as goal-setting, budgeting, saving, credit management and investing – is strongly linked to better financial outcomes, including lower rates of debt constraint and financial fragility.
While emboldening yourself to understand financial terms can be a little overwhelming at first, once you have a grasp of basic concepts you can begin to get a handle on your money and make better financial decisions. Simply put: When you understand how to earn, save, spend and invest wisely, you aren’t just building a stable future for yourself, but your family and community as well.
From nonprofit partnerships to volunteer-led programs and fee online resources, Schwab and its employees help millions of people every year build the knowledge and confidence to take charge of their financial futures by serving as board members, mentors, role models and educators.
Because financial health is a lifelong journey, the earlier people learn vital money skills, the better. That’s why the financial advisory services provider develops education programs geared toward kids that continue into adulthood, helping people no matter where they are on their journeys.
Talk Money
It’s never too early to start a conversation about financial literacy. Having teens identify goals that are important to them – such as concert tickets or a first car – can kickstart coversations about money. Working with your child (and a financial advisor, if necessary) on a plan for saving to realize those goals can serve as a jumping off point. After achieving some success, their enthusiasm may grow, which is a powerful motivator to keep saving.
Support School Initiatives and Programs
Outreach programs that empower young people to make smart financial decisions is key to a bright future. Programs like Money Matters – Schwab’s flagship financial education program utilized by the Boys & Girls Clubs of America – gives young people hands-on experience with all aspects of money and investing.
This example, and others, don’t just include program funding – they build partnerships that create impact and opportunity with national collaborations that reach more than 17 million youth annually, empowering young people with the tools and confidence to make smart financial decisions for life.
Spread the Financial Love
Championing financial literacy empowers everyone – individuals, families and communities. By serving as a board member, mentor, role model or educator to help bring financial literacy to others in your community, you can supply the tools and knowledge to lead programs that focus on giving back, empowering future generations in countless ways.
To learn more about financial literacy and find resources to empower your local community, visit SchwabMoneywise.com.
Photo courtesy of Shutterstock
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SUVs and EVs Take Center Stage at the 2026 New York International Auto Show
(Feature Impact) The 2026 New York International Auto Show is shining a spotlight on the latest in automotive innovation, from advanced technology to the growing shift toward electric vehicles. One automaker, Kia, is using the show to highlight two versatile SUVs designed to offer more space, capability and flexibility for modern drivers.
Watch this video to learn more
The all-new 2027 Kia Seltos has grown in size, offering a roomier interior with additional legroom, headroom and cargo space. It also adds a hybrid powertrain, making it the only vehicle in its class with three powertrain options. The SUV comes packed with advanced safety features, a more capable all-wheel-drive system and premium interior touches, including dual 12.3-inch display screens and an available panoramic sunroof.
The automaker is also showcasing the all-electric EV3, a compact SUV designed to make electric vehicle ownership more practical. With an estimated range of up to 320 miles, fast-charging capability and optional all-wheel drive, it balances performance, technology and everyday usability. Its intuitive features and flexible design make transitioning to electric simpler for a wider range of drivers.
Both models represent Kia’s commitment to providing options that blend capability, innovation and style. To learn more, visit Kia.com.
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