Letters To Santa Reveal Families' Struggles In Tough Economy

Kirsten McIntyre, News 9

OKLAHOMA CITY -- With Christmas just a few days away, many Oklahoma children have put their wish lists on paper and dropped it in the mailbox.

Sonya Dulan doesn't look like the traditional Santa but at one metro post office, she's been playing the role of Saint Nick for years.

As the customer relations coordinator, it's her job to read through the Santa letters mailed to the North Pole.

"My dad wants us to listen to him for at least one day, that's cute," Dulan said.

But others aren't always as cute. Dulan's job requires reading through some tough letters.

"Some of them are really heart wrenching. Some people are going through some tough times out there," Dulan said.

Many are from children who understand the stress their family is under.

"Some of them will say I don't want anything. I just want to see my mom get a new coat. I want to see my brother get a hot wheel track. They're not asking for anything for themselves," Dulan.

Dr. Stewart Beasley is a counseling psychologist. He said it's not uncommon to see children ask Santa for food and clothing, the basic necessities, rather than expensive toys.

"I think what you'll find is children are most sensitive during this season," Beasley said. "They're much more benevolent than adults are because the sensitivity is still there. We adults learn to cover up our benevolency.

But there are a few adults who still believe in the magic of Santa. One letter Dulan received told Santa it's been a rough year financially. Another talked of being homeless and trying to get the pieces back together. For these letters, Dulan said she hopes people will step forward and become elves.

"Those are the letters we keep here for community to come in and view those letters and see if they can provide some type of assistance," Dulan said.

Anyone who would like to help a family by providing Christmas, the post office is located at 4025 West Reno. There are still letters at the post office for people needing assistance.