Local Bolingbrook Family Responds to Santa Letters

BOLINGBROOK, IL - For the second year in a row, local residents Shawna and Gregg Calvert are spreading Christmas cheer to children far and near. This magical Christmas mailbox, located at 2309 River Hills Lane in Bolingbrook, allows for children to come and drop off their letter to Santa and wait for a handwritten reply. Yes, every child who drops off a letter (and includes a legible return mailing address) receives a reply from “Santa.”

When Michael Carpanzano asked to write up a local story about it, Shawna stated, “We are really enjoying the letters! It's a real privilege. I'll get more stamps!”

Five of their six teens (Trevor, Madi, Isaiah, Gavin, Emma) help with the letter responses over Christmas break. To date, the farthest away letter was from Northern California. Last year, this national article was featured.

Shawna added, “it's so clear that the letter writing event in many homes is precious time spent together.” She said that when children come to the mailbox, they are often dressed up in festive attire. They even created a "Letters to Santa Mailbox" Facebook Group for parents to share their experiences. She explained that one of the biggest challenges is responding to multiple children in a single home with uniqueness in the content for each child.

Last year the Plainfield Post Office even gave the Calvert’s their Santa letters. They hope this year is even more cheerful. The local community is incredibly grateful to Shawna and family for doing this completely selfless act to spread holiday greetings to families they may never meet.