Operation Santa underway at the post office on Dalton Avenue

CINCINNATI - Sitting inside the lobby of the post office on Dalton Avenue, supervisor Betty Smith has a pile of letters written from Tri-State children in need as part of the Operation Santa program.

"A lot of them are asking for socks, underclothes, coats, gloves and I know a lot of times we have to call and ask, 'what kind of toy do they need?'" Smith said. "Those we know are in need because they are not concerned about the toys."

The United States Postal Service started Operation Santa 100 years ago as a way to connect children with anonymous donors so they can have a toy to open on Christmas. This year the Dalton Avenue location has more than 200 families requesting assistance.  

Smith will stay in the post office lobby for the next two weeks hoping all the families will get donors in time for Christmas.  

"This is what I do every Christmas morning," Smith said holding back tears. "I cry because we've got special children that are getting gifts and that's pretty much what's important to me. Each child being blessed each year."

This year also marks Smith's last year since she will retire from the postal service after 34 years.

If you would like to review a family's letter, you can stop by the Dalton Avenue post office Monday through Friday from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m., until Dec. 14. Presents must be wrapped and dropped off by 2 p.m. on Dec. 15.