Thousands of hand-written letters are expected to travel between Ipswich and the North Pole as Ipswich Libraries opens its Letters to Santa postal service from 30 November to 16 December.
Ipswich Mayor Teresa Harding said the letters, part of the Christmas in Ipswich program, are a fantastic free drop-in activity at all Ipswich Libraries branches.
“Children can write their letter and immediately post it in one of the big red post boxes at any Ipswich library,” Mayor Harding said.
“They can also collect a letter writing kit to take home to write, and then drop it into the North Pole post box on their next library visit.
“The festive letter kit contains an envelope and sticker to seal their letter to make sure it is for Santa’s eyes only.”
All writers are then invited to join Mr and Mrs Claus and other North Pole Pals via Zoom as they share Christmas stories, carols and a selection of the handwritten letters.
“We’ve heard on the North Pole grapevine that Mr and Mrs Claus will be doing live interviews with some special helpers and friends such as the elves, reindeer, the Gingerbread Man and Frosty the Snowman,” Mayor Harding said.
Ten-year-old Leah Pick wrote to Santa asking for a French Bulldog, which she plans to simply name “Dog”.
“For Christmas I want some art supplies, books, my very own puppy and an amazing new year. Thanks so much, and I would really appreciate it if you could get me what I ask for. Thanks, Leah.”
Community, Culture, Arts and Sport Committee chair Councillor Andrew Fechner said more than 1,000 letters were sent to Santa from Ipswich libraries last year.
“Santa will be doing his best to respond to letters within a few days, and letter writers should look out for a special red envelope in their home post box,” Cr Fechner said.
“However, as we know he is very busy this time of the year, and even with the help of his elves, the letter service from the North Pole can be a little slow due to the number of packages being sent over the Christmas period.”
For the full program and to learn more about what festive events and activities are planned near you, visit ChristmasInIpswich.com.au
Christmas In Ipswich is delivered through the support of the following partners: Ripley Town Centre, Slater and Gordon Lawyers, Energex, Stockland Providence, River 94.9, 9News Queensland, NGU Real Estate Ipswich, Event Cinemas Springfield, Choices Flooring by Mallets, Harvey Norman Booval, Premier Queensland and Pocket Retreats.
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