Letters Sent this Christmas Reflect the Agony of Children During the Foreclosure Crisis

January 13th, 2009 | Tags: Foreclosure Crisis

Letters to Santa Claus sent this Christmas reflect the agony children are undergoing during these days of the foreclosure crisis.

Ten-year-old Ronisha Moseley asked from Santa a simple wish – she wanted to stay at a downtown hotel. Many responded on behalf of the mythical old man to make her wish come true.

Her letter is one of the many passing through the main post office of Chicago that highlights the reality of the current foreclosed economy. The letters coming from children and also from adults pour out tales of suffering and hope. Some have lost jobs, others their houses while high heating costs have combined to throw out many from their homes.

The post office has got about 6,000 letters – it being a 50% increase over the mail received last year. Postal officials feel that the foreclosure crisis prompted many to seek an escape route through writing. Usually the wishes are for video games and cycles but today the request is for mundane necessary items like pajamas, shoes and socks.

Archie Culberson is a postal clerk. He quipped, “In lighter time, you have kids asking for everything they see, but now some kids are worried they won’t have Christmas at all, and they’re turning to Santa because they don’t know who else to ask.” Culberson has been working in the postal department for long 28 years.

The postal employees are feeling the pressure of work and sorting out the letters according to gender and size of the family. These are placed in the lobby of the post office for all to read and select to help a child. The wish list portrays the health of the society and economy with special reference to its effect on little hearts.

A ten-year-old boy asks Santa for diapers for his baby sister. Another girl studying in the 3rd grade asks for slippers to keep her toes warm this winter. Two brothers make a more mature wish – they want Santa to help their mother to pay the rent. Some youngsters stick their report cards with the letter in the hope of drawing attention from Santa. Others attach character certificates. Nine-year-old Annisha wants a generous supply of milk and cookies. She also adds another request – Santa must not miss her house like he did in the previous year.

The children suffering today because of the ineptitude of the present generation are the future generation of tomorrow who will not easily forget or forgive this foreclosure age.